This
Grateful Season
Dave Emery, Chaplain
I often find myself, while at my desk, feeling
blessed and overwhelmingly grateful for many amazing and incredible
things. After returning to Bridge from a weeklong spiritual retreat,
earlier this year, I experienced moments of reflection and longing
to return to that place and state of being in a spiritual place.
Still, so often, through Chaplaincy experiences with Bridge clients,
I have had some incredible times.
One morning, I shared coffee with one of our
folks I am privileged to know and minister with here at Bridge
Ministries. She has struggled with a physical disability for some
time, but has just such a special spirit about life. I am so moved
by this special way of being in life. They are living a life that
is filled with acceptance of others around them, generosity, humor,
and grace. In the midst of constant challenges and issues, their
hospitality and strength are clearly evident. What a gift I have
been given by being invited into their life and world even for
a few moments.
Back at Bridge, I encounter many demands and
tasks that are screaming for my immediate attention and response.
Still, sitting in this place, aware that our lives are touched
and brought to a better place by being God minded, I am moved
by this simple opportunity and invitation to stop and hear a bit
about another person’s life and current experiences.
At this time, we are or have been experiencing
“the holidays.” Each holiday season we tend to be
feeling pressured and inclined to make this the best ever. So
we set our hearts to sending the best cards ever; giving the best
presents ever; decorating our surroundings with the best ornaments
ever; baking the best holiday goodies ever; throwing and or attending
the best parties ever; singing the best carols, or listening to
the best holiday music ever; and giving to the best caring ministries
ever. All in another yet exhausting attempt at having the best
holiday ever possible.
I am not going to invite you to not do all the
above again this year. That would be too far fetched, but I wish
to go back to my first expression. I am often sitting here feeling
just so amazingly blessed. I am blessed by the opportunity and
experience of hearing another person’s joys and struggles
in their life’s journey. Each day, is the best ever because
I have heard, seen, and been invited into another person’s
life/world for a moment.
You know what made that very first Christmas
the best one ever? The one we are constantly trying to recreate,
and recover?
I am convinced it is in many ways that Heavenly
Star. The star that invites all of us to see God in front of us
right here and right now. That God that shows up and is revealed
in so many surprising ways when we see, hear, listen and care
about the other person that is before us, with us, around us and
truly connected to us, as we visit someone else’s life and
world even for a moment. This is a part of the blessedness of
Bridge Disability Ministries. Still, this is even more a part
of the blessedness of God’s love right here and right now.
