Bees in My Bonnet

  Today I'm reflecting on our marriage which began 26 years ago today; not only our  marriage, but marriage in general, and then marriage in the Christian sub-culture.  There are certainly numerous resources - podcasts, books, seminars, Bible studies, what-have-you - that address how to be married, stay married, fix marriage, navigate marriage, theologize marriage, and the whole 9 (or 900) yards. I'm not going to step up and offer some sage advice about marriage on this milestone. I'm only going to notice. Wonder. Contemplate.  It has been as much of a pilgrimage as a journey. And an adventuresome one at that. If we think of a journey, we recognize a destination. So what's the destination with marriage? Wedded bliss, of course! I jest. A devout fundie-Christian would say the destination is: Sanctification, of course! Ooooh, sign me up!!! I jest, yet again. So, those thoughts aside, what is the destination of the journey of marriage? I'll take a stab at it. I believe...

 Recently our Church held its annual Arts Festival and invited poets and artists to contribute. The theme was centred on our calling, vocation - in short: work.  I spent some time pondering what my work actually is. Because I am an on-the-go, sometimes-at-home, Mom, Spiritual Director, Piano Teacher, occasional Doula, and all-round Presence In The House For Anyone Who Shows Up, it took me some time to consider what it is I actually DO.  Here is the poem that emerged from these ponderings: My Work My work is to be - to taste, to see Every good gift tumbling Flowing into these outstretched hands To be Open, waiting. My work is to worship: To savor Sweet bread, broken, given; To lift up my fainting heart To yield all I am for One Who yielded to death for me. My work is to welcome. If every good gift is from above, Then so is the stranger at my door. In no time he won't be a stranger, But a fellow pilgrim seeking Good gifts from a good God. Welcoming is Opening: I open my hea...