Affirmations

It is Sunday evening, March 15, and I am tired. I thought I would get a nap in this afternoon but alas, that didn't happen. I just read my "Affirmations", which is a ritual we adopted from the High School Pilgrim Fellowship group (Thanks Louise!). We decorate bags on the first day and then through the week we write little notes of affirmation for each other. We take our bag home at the end of the trip, and typically read them on the plane. It makes you feel great! I however, packed mine in my suitcase, so I didn't get to it until this evening.

Perception. Tom spoke of it in his "Mudbug Award" (see entry) to us when he asked what makes space sacred. What makes us sacred, I want to ask? I think it is being perceived in love. We know God perceives us in love. The joy and the challenge is to perceive each other, as imperfect as we are, in love. Affirmations remind us that we can and are perceived in love and kindness. What a gift.

I am so thankful each year for the group of college students who want to spend their Spring Break working hard and serving others in need. This year the particular combination of students was particularly striking. Our evening reflections were powerful. Don't underestimate college students. They are bright and wise and observant. I felt humbled early in the week to have them show me how to be a better follower of Jesus. I am looking forward to our worship service next week and hearing their testimonies, their reflections. I always strive to create a safe space to have the students share their faith, wherever it is in their journey. Sometimes I worry too much and err on the side of not bringing in enough spirituality. But the amazing thing that I discover, time after time, is that I am not in charge. Not really. Nor is Richie, or any other student leader. God is at work, and we simply need to get out of the way of ourselves and let the Spirit move. God is at work in the sweat and the labor, God is at work in the giggles and the laughter. Or maybe I should say God is at play!

~Rev. Hilary Dahlberg