Summer is my favorite season. I love the warmth, longer days and slower pace. I revel in the abundance of the season and, as autumn calls in colder shorter days, I drag my feet in hopes of slowing it down. But then Earth totally gives of herself in the harvest of our gardens, turning of the leaves, the October blue sky and the energizing crispness of the air. I am once again reinvigorated through communion with the world around me.
Recently, I spent some time with my two-and-a-half year old grandson, Denali, at his home in Oregon. Raspberries, his favorite fruit, grow in his yard. While I was visiting, the berries began to ripen and his dad helped him harvest a small handful. You can imagine his delight. Raspberries for the taking! There was one glitch. My son-in-law encouraged him to share his final raspberry with me. He stretched out his pudgy hand in offering. His head dropped ever so slightly, betraying his reluctance to generously share of his harvest. I was inspired by the sacrifice he was making. I was standing at the counter preparing dinner with fresh raspberries from the farmers market within reach. I graciously accepted his offering and in turn offered him two of my berries. Delight filled him and me! A communion moment!
I noticed that this was a turning point. Each day, Denali would harvest the ripened berries, one small handful at a time. After having his taste, he would generously share with the rest of us- giving out of the fullness of what is given.
This was a beautiful and tender experience, not unlike the many moments I witness here at The Well when, in the service of Spirit, people generously give of themselves to one another. Communion!
Peruse our Fall programs and come to The Well so that together, we may be filled and share from the fullness of what is given.
