Saturday

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 … it is God’s gift
Luke 10:30-35 … take care of him
John 13:3-15 … do as I have done
Ephesians 6:12-18 … pray in the Spirit

Yesterday was Canada Day! This year with our adjoining neighbours we hosted the 20th annual Canada Day party for our neighbourhood. And for the eighty-five or so people who attended, there would have been no argument that it is a gift from God that all should eat and drink and take pleasure! From the homemade hamburgers to the freshly cut potatoes for poutine and from the music of the Newfoundland band – Great Big Sea – to the Karaoke that ended the party in the wee hours of the morning … everybody had a wonderful grand time!

The youngest at the party was just under one and the oldest was just over seventy. Teenagers and young adults – some of whom have never done anything else in their life for Canada Day – bring their friends to this party. It is truly an intergenerational gathering where the rambunctious played together and visits were shared by those who appreciated quieter conversations. At one point during the day, I surveyed the scene and reflected on how those who were present have shared joys and sorrows and had been there for each other over the years – in the good times and the bad – and concluded that this is abundant living!

I have often wondered what life is all about. I have seen the negative effects of individualism and consumerism and have experienced how they lead to isolation and exclusion. More money has led to the building of bigger houses where people live alone … and to the building of even higher fences to keep others out. I have struggled with why some people share what they have and care for others – while others do not.

So, I cherish the merriment of friends when they are gathered together. I have come to realize that it is often in the sharing of life with others where the lessons of living are learned, and the gift of life is truly appreciated … and for this I give thanks to God at all times.

1. Gushue

For Reflection and Journaling:

1. When have I appreciated abundant living in a caring community?
2. How is God present and active in my community?

Meditative Prayer:

God who is three in one – Trinitarian mystery,
God who is sharing in community – giving and receiving,
open my heart to the simple things of life
so that I may experience abundant living. Amen.

Week of Guided PrayerNetwork, Western Ontario Waterways Region, The United Church of Canada, 2018.