Reflections
While in Maine, surrounded by the beauty of fall leaves and sparking waters, I read a fascinating book about the various ways nature, in general, and gardening, in particular, produce chemicals that are restorative to the human mind. Its thesis is then supported by reference to dozens of scholarly studies that have proven gardening’s benefits for depression, anxiety, anti-social behavior, PTSD and a host of other neurological based illnesses. It was a scientific book that described what I knew deep within my soul. So, I was excited to return home to my own modest gardening efforts and breathe in the medicinal effects that I could now call by their scientific names. However, on our last day in Maine I had been forewarned in a phone call from my son about a problem, but to return home to find so many of our plants eaten by our neighborhood deer produced a toxic chemical response in my brain that was anything but calm and soothing. I left the pain of that east of Eden experience to go to the Community Garden to reconnect with the naturally healing rhythms of my life giving fall vegetable friends-collards, turnips, garlic, lettuce, broccoli, potatoes. I hadn’t been in that garden 10 minutes when a homeless man, who I had helped before, walked into the garden asking for food and yelling obscenities at me when I told him all I had to share were collards, etc. He also rejected my suggestion to see what the weekly Farmers’s Market, less than 100 yards away, had to offer: “They always look down their noses at me.” So, we walked over to Burger King together where I bought him a # 1 Meal and a Coke. He thanked me and we said goodbye- for a while. I don’t know what chemicals my body was producing by then, but maybe God was reminding me of the idolatry of personal comfort and the dangers of making my own needs and a stress free life an ultimate goal. I continue to learn. Sunday’s Scriptures-A Few Brief Thoughts Genesis 32:22-31 Jacob wrestles with an angel all night long as he is on his way home to reconcile with his brother, Esau. He is blessed by God at dawn, but comes away with a new name and an out of joint hip. Our own honest wrestling with God will ultimately bring a blessing, but it will also change us. Psalm 121 A beautiful and tender description of the intimacy of God’s loving relationship with us. It’s easy to understand why this psalm is chosen so often for funerals. 2Timothy 3:14-4:5 “...having itchy ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires...”. So much of the time we approach scripture( and preachers) looking for interpretations that conform to and confirm our own preconceived views about life. I find it very difficult to sit with scripture that confronts me. Such honest confrontation, however, can be the beginning of that holy wrestling match referenced above. Luke 18: 1-8 Persistence is the message in this parable. Whether we rest tenderly in the intimacy of God, or wrestle painfully with God, persistence brings a divine blessing. Other Matters of Interest Adult Sunday School- This Sunday, October 16 at 9:15am, we will begin our initial adult Sunday School class. We’ll meet at the newly opened This Is Noteworthy building on Main Street (16s). We’ll be looking at the particular history, culture, traditions, etc. of the Episcopal Church as a vehicle for exploring the universal questions of faith and meaning. We’ll finish by 10:00. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Stewardship Campaign Begins- Next week we will launch our Fall Stewardship Campaign with reflections on our relationship with money, the spiritual value of gratitude and our soul’s need to give. We will also be given an opportunity to make a financial pledge commitment to the ongoing work of the Nativity congregation. Don’t be afraid! For many, this time of intentional reflection on God’s gifts and the opportunity for gratitude has been a time of spiritual renewal. Nativity Halloween Fellowship- After worship on October 30 Robbie Fisher and Beth Mayeaux will host a pot luck luncheon at their home. Our hosts will provide chili, cornbread, muffins and a variety of gifts. S’mores and hot dogs to cook on a grill will be available for the young ( and young of heart). Others are welcome to bring side dishes, salads, appetizers and desserts. Costumes are optional! See you Sunday! Peace, Duncan dmgrayiii@gmail.com 601-260-1937
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