Good Friday

This Good Friday has a hold on me - a kind of tug, tugging at me all day.  I can't shake it.  I'm mindful of the day and the moment.

I'm thought-filled of my life this day.  Definitely at the latter part of my life, and that does get my attention.  I'm hopeful there is much time ahead of me- time in which to not waste a moment, or an opportunity, or a hand.

I've set out today to be intentional about my activities, about my reading, about my hearing.  Reading about the dark, reading the BCP Good Friday Liturgy, reading about social justice and how the path of nature can serve the way to justice, all while listening to music of Taize and of the Iona Community.

I've had THE phone call.  Every Good Friday my bestest cousin and I talk.  We recognize and give tribute to that Good Friday some sixty plus years ago when she "saved my life".  That day she listened to my heart, and the we attended the Good Friday service at her church. And this day we talked and listened to each other's hearts.  We both see a shorter time ahead than behind.  Still, we both believe there is much in front of us.

I've struggled for some years now with my parish church.  It has not been a place where I can easily find worship.  I have not been to church today.  It has been a place where some words have made me uncomfortable.  Still, there have been many more words that have made it possible to me to feel in rich and joyous community.  It's a balancing act for me.

Twenty-two years ago I opened up my past and my heart.  I sought reconciliation with God.  I found that reconciliation and that new path for me to walk with God.  I found one who from then on would share that path of faith and friendship.  Paths along the seas, paths along the mountains, city and country paths; paths to ways to serve God, paths to be with God's people.

I have much for which to be grateful, much for which to rejoice.  I recognize my obligation to respond in kind.  Yes, I feel the tug.

Departure Time

Tybee Time has been a time and a place where everything slows down.  Yet somehow the time to leave feels like it happened too quickly.  Knowing I shall return in a year's time, helps with the regret of having to "get off" Tybee Time.

One last vesper-light walk on the beach.

These days of Tybee Time have filled me with rest, with reflection, with trust, and with hope for the days ahead.

On my drive home I visited with a dear friend who is in hospice care and will probably depart this life sometime today.  We exchanged smiles and heart hugs.  As a clergyman he gave unceasingly to parishes throughout my part of the diocese.  It was my great honor to have served with him on so many occasions.

Jim will soon know the glory for which we all await.

As I drove into my driveway, I was greeted with a beautiful sight- the lilac is in full bloom! The extraordinary scent wafted toward me as I approached. The promise of return in spring kept. 

Mother Teresa's said: "Dear Jesus, help me spread your fragrance wherever I go."

And so I shall try to do just that.

First Light on Tybee

"Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God."  Job 37:14.

This new and last full day on Tybee began with wondrous works from God.  Sunrise.....

and cotton candy. 

jellyfish...

and shorebirds. 

"This is the day The Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it."

Indeed!

Sunrise on Tybee

Awoke this morning in time to get to the beach for the sunrise. 

I'm mindful of the words to a favorite hymn, "When morning gilds the sky...."

The blessing of a new day, filled with opportunities to collaborate with God. 

"God calls us to do some things we cannot do alone."

Last night was a Lenten soup supper at All Saints Episcopal church here on Tybee. It began with contemplative prayer, followed by dinner, a video, and conversation about collaboration with God in our lives and our work. 

A remarkable collaboration begins today in Jasper, Georgia. The Matthew Project. A collaboration between Episcopal Charities Foundation and Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center.  And with Church of the Epiphany, Atlanta. And with God. 

What was envisioned two years ago, becomes a reality. Groups across the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta will make mission trips to help build the new health center so that residents of Pickens County (the poorest county in Georgia) will have medical care. 

An extraordinary collaboration indeed!

Walking Tybee

Today begins with a quiet awakening, as the sun had already risen and plans to walk the beach at sunrise are dashed. 

Still, the rising of the sun through the bedroom curtains is a kind of walk, as my mind walks through shards of dreams from the night, and now begins to think about what this day will bring. 

Breakfast while I read two devotional sources.  The New York Times, and Becca Steven's "Walking the Path of Justice". 

 

Stevens writes about Job and how he learns that justice must include mystery and compassion; and to arrive at this understanding of justice he looks to the animals, birds and plants. He's reminded we all come from the Creator and the way to gain wisdom is not just by living, but by contemplating the creation all around us. 

As I walk through this day, I shall try to do just that. 

Stevens prays "Give us good companions on the walk."

Waking up on Tybee Time

At last. The rhythm of Tybee. The tides in motion on the coast and in the marsh. 

Arrived last night just in time to enjoy the sunset, while unpacking the overpacked car. The rhythm of up and down stair climbing. 

Followed by watching Sweet 16 basketball games. The women in rhythm as they run, take shots, run some more. Always in the rhythm of set-up play. 

And now this new day. The rhythm of favorite places in Savannah. Biscones and cappuccinos at "Back in the Day". 

The rhythm of reading words written so long ago, but on this day call out to my soul. "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love The Lord your God."  Deuteronomy 30:19. 

Next up: walking in step to both new and familiar places.