Author: alwaysbridging

Yesterday my mother and I went to the movies. Since she’s almost 96, we can count on a few age-related snags on our outings. There were several. Here’s one suitable for public consumption: Someone parked less than a foot from the passenger side of my car so, after the show, Mom had to manage getting into the back seat behind me. Once we were all strapped in and ready for take-off, she exclaimed, “Well, this is different. Different but necessary.”

The most unusual part for me was my quiet mind. I am irritated when inconvenienced, often with her. Could it be that the petition for quiet minds during the benediction on Ash Wednesday, the ask I have been repeating since then, is taking hold?

Religious Language

Our daughter Carolina is off to Australia! On Saturday we met midday near the airport.

As usual she got me thinking when she asked, “Can I share a thought about your blog?”

With some trepidation, I answered, “Yes?”

“I know it’s Lent and all. But I thought you wanted to increase your readership. The language you’ve used so far could limit who’s interested. Religious language can be polarizing.”

Of course, she has a point. And, after all, my desire is to welcome and build bridges, not separate by building walls.

Then again, during this first week I recognize that this round of daily posts for me is not about the wide world of potential audience members out there. Instead I notice how my heart warms when a guest author posts. I perk up. I am curious. I delight. Lent 2024 is about relationships. About providing a platform. And seeing what I can do to make this smooth and warm and maybe even delightful for them too.

My hope is that my use of religious language can also be live love language, especially for those I relate with directly.

I was thrilled yesterday to watch this short video about our upcoming pilgrimage. For one thing the five cities on the itinerary were listed succinctly: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, and Memphis. I can pray for these cities and for The Rev Canon Carla Robinson (she narrates the video) as we prepare to travel together.

I felt proud to have already registered because I bet the trip will fill in a hot second now that this promotion is circulating on YouTube.

Bridges to Morning Prayer

I am not liturgical by birth. No “cradle Episcopalian” here. While one could say the Presbyterian services of my childhood were “works of the people,” one definition of liturgies, we didn’t rely on the ancient scripts of the Book of Common Prayer.

Thus I am repeatedly surprised, even delighted, as I lean increasingly into these centuries-old forms from our ancestors.

I’ve decided to read Morning Prayer for these 40 days of Lent, with God’s help. Please God.

And assistance is showing up. First I remembered the audio version that Father Steve introduced me to years ago. Then I listened to it while commuting to work. Now I can listen while I stretch. Next I found pre-made ribbon bookmarks online (nine sets for only $11!). They help me flip pages after marking the various scriptures. And now Mother Linzi has invited us to join her via Zoom to pray and worship on the weekdays.

Prayers answered. Options abound. No excuses.

This morning we read Morning Prayer and afterwards enjoyed oatmeal breakfast together. I love these peeps to the moon and back.