Embrace Your Experiences

Today I was going about my business simply taking some time to rest from a very hectic week. Suddenly a thought occurred to me, “This time last week you were getting ready to go see Les Miserables in New York. I smiled remembering that evening as very special. In some ways last week occurred light years ago. Was I really in New York? Man this week has flown by.

I think about those times in my life where everything seems to stand still and the moments that I remember become incredibly sacred and rich. These are the times that give us the strength and courage that we need to move forward when life does not appear to seem breath taking nor affirming. We gather strength from the past to move through the present. We even look towards the future with hope, knowing that we will again experience those “Les Miz” moments in our lives.

This week I have enjoyed calling to mind the incredible events in New York. I loved going to the Natural History Museum, 9/11 Memorial, Broadway shows, incredible restaurants, and the sights and sounds of being in “The City”. I am grateful that the memories of all of those places will help me in times of need or loneliness. When I am sad I will remember the absolute joy in my son’s eyes as he sang on the stage of the Ambassador Theater. I will be filled with incredible pride as I remember his eyes while he was singing; totally captivated in the moment that he knew that his dreams where in reach. I am talking about the “Aha” moment when we realize what we are supposed to do with our lives.

I hope that we all recall moments in our lives that leaves us breathless. I hope that those times are sources of strength and confidence as we journey on. Perhaps Jesus himself knew that we would need something directly from heaven and so, in God’s incredible wisdom and love for us, gave us the gifts of bread and wine. That when we share them in community with one another we may recall the divine present that was given to us. We may remember how important and special that we are to the Holy One. These gifts may sustain us through all of our times. And through the endowments of New York, bread, wine, sacrifice, etc…I may say, “Thanks be to God.”