What we need is here--Advent 19 Rethinkchurch.org

Rethink church reminds us that most of the time everything we need is right here.  As I filled this jar with M&M's I was struck with this reminder--M&M's yes--This jar is reminiscent of the anticipation of little minds wondering when the treat would come out. In this jar are the memories of little hands sinking in and sneaking off with the red and green treats.  Of course I always new they were eating them, I would not have put them out otherwise.  This jar is the laughter and voices saying "We are too old for this now"...but not really.  There are no children in this home now, but the jar holds everything I need--the wonderful memories of what was, the anticipation of an unexpected visitor who will delight in the old tradition and the new traditions to be made with our grandchildren.

Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear,
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here.

And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye
clear. What we need is here. - Wild Geese, Wendell Berry