And let the brothers who know how to work, labor and exercise themselves in that art they may understand, if it be not contrary to the salvation of their soul, and they can exercise it becomingly. ~Saint Francis
I was not an “outdoorsy” child. I liked creative indoor pursuits, making and thinking activities. Then, one summer in college, out of necessity, I worked at a Christian summer camp where I hoped to lead safe “indoorsy” activities like newspaper, crafts and drama. Yet, for some reason, I, the least likely candidate, was put in charge of the “nature” enrichment activity. That summer, the “Nature Hut” consisted of a few goats, some turtles, a dilapidated shack and a lonely old pony. There was no curriculum or program to follow: just me, a handful of campers and the Hut, all left to find our way together. So, we did. I turned to the work and labor I knew: imaginary play, crafting, storytelling and party~throwing. I asked the campers for input and ideas, and together, despite our motley origins, we all thrived with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The Hut is where I learned that we and our gifts are all linked: the soil, the turtles, the campers, the goats, me, the trees and God. I experienced firsthand how, without the care of humans, the goats, turtles and the pony languished. And how, without them, the campers and I—humans who didn’t fit in at sports ball, horseback riding or ropes courses—also languished. It turned out that we needed each other. We needed to care for and share our talents and beings with one another. We needed to love each other with the love of God, the kind that gives unselfishly, that is patient and kind, that is honest and true, the kind of love that values every living thing as Christ. In that love, we all found belonging: the turtles and goats, me and the campers, the trees and the Spirit.
For Reflection
Is there a ministry in your faith community that is languishing? Is it time to let it die, or is it time to re~imagine it according to the gifts present in your community?
To receive these mediations in your inbox please visit Episcopal Relief and Development
For more resources please visit The Episcopal Church in Colorado Lent Formation Resources (These resources include Lenten meditations and activities for different age groups and interests.)