January 6, 2023

Dear Lake B friends & family,


The next several weeks our theme for Sunday services is “Inspired to Go a New Way. This series follows on the heels of what is known and celebrated as the Epiphany, where religious outsiders (the Magi in Matthew 2) become important characters in the Christmas story. We see here that God surprise us with more revelation of who God is - One who includes “others” even in God’s own origin story. The underlying message is that epiphanies invite us to deepen, broaden and grow in our relationship with God which I’m discovering always deepens, broadens and grows my capacity to love and be in relationship with others.


I came across a poem by Jewish philosopher Martin Buber. In Tales of the Hasadim he offers these words concerning the relationship between God and humankind:

                                                                      Where I wander - You!
                                                                      Where I ponder - You!
                                                                      Only You, You again, always You!
                                                                      You! You! You!
                                                                      When I am gladdened - You!
                                                                      When I am saddened - You!
                                                                      Only You, You again, always You!
                                                                      You! You! You!
                                                                      Sky is You; Earth is You!
                                                                      You above! You below!
                                                                      In every trend, at every end,
                                                                     Only You, You again, always You!
                                                                     You! You! You!

This poem echoes the words of the psalmist – that there is no where we can flee God’s presence. God is always with us. Everywhere – You!You!You!

                                                How does this point me toward a new way of being?

I know it has made me pay more attention to how I experience God everywhere and in everything. More specifically, it has changed the way I enter relationships with others – especially those who are most different than me. In the spirit of Buber’s poem, “God, everywhere and in every person YOU! YOU! YOU!”


When I begin with that assumption (God is in all people) I am more open to learn, I have nothing to defend. I receive the gift of God’s self-revealing through others who are different than me. I am always inspired and humbled.


Over the next several weeks, we will continue to revisit this idea of epiphanies in our lives and how they form us as we follow Christ.


What epiphany have you had that has led you to go a new/different way?


Grace and Peace,
Lina

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