Thursday, January 2, 2014

Michael Podesta

The Rev. Linda Wofford Hawkins
Rector


“If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life.”

- Anonymous


This piece was sent anonymously to the calligrapher, Michael Podesta, who rendered it in his art form. May it speak to us as it spoke to him.





12/23/2013

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Pots and Pans

The Rev. Linda Wofford Hawkins
Rector


“I found him very easily among the pots and pans.” So said St. Teresa of Avila as she reflected on the intersection of her inner life and outer life. In this season as we count the days until Christmas, many of us spend lots of time among the pots and pans, in the rush of traffic, or in the frenzy of the shopping mall. The presence of God can escape us in those places.


So how do we develop the perspective of St. Teresa? My best advice received over the years came from an elderly woman who shared her secret. She always prays for the people who will eat the food she prepares whenever she enters the kitchen. That simple spiritual practice has a centering power. It is a start toward opening the door for the presence of Christ in the midst of the pots and pans. It reminds us of our link to those we serve and the God who empowers us for service.


So in these last hours before the coming of Christ, I wish you the best among the pots and pans. May you find Christ even there.



12/23/2013