Water in the stories of our lives
I have noticed during this lockdown that each week I experience what I may call a low tide. Maybe that is how it is for us just as the tides go in and out so too do we. It probably happens regardless of the lockdown (of course it does) but perhaps the difference of our current situation means we notice it more.
At Meeting for Worship, a friend shared a difficult conversation with a neighbour. Each Thursday in the UK at 8 pm those who wish stand outside their doors and clap for the National Health Service (NHS). This has brought about a renewed community spirit but with it comes the joys and tensions of being in community.
This neighbour made a judgement about who was not out clapping using it to confirm their own view of this particular group of people. The friend was left with a sadness that an event such as this could yield an unpleasantness from their neighbour.
When they had finished I picked up a pen and started to write on the back of an envelope,
I come to meeting why?
I have just switched off one computer to switch on my personal computer.
I could have stayed on the other and done more, feeding into an anxiety about getting everything done but I need to switch off because I needed this.
I need to let everything go as if walking into a pool and allow all the things of the week to dissolve in the silence, the good and the not so good alike.
In a sense, it is as a baptism in the spirit allowing that which is dead be buried and in the process being made anew to go back into the world fresh, free and empowered, to live again.
I felt for the friend. Stories of Jesus and his encounters with people came to mind. Here were we in a Quaker meeting and here we come to lay down that which has entangled us and allow the Holy Spirit to heal us in the power of the presence.
Best day,
g
