LET US WELCOME THE BEAUTY AROUND US

This is the August newsletter column:

Having spent most of my life living in a rural setting, I have always been pleasantly surprised by the abundant wildlife within the city limits. I’ve been known to pull over and watch a red-headed woodpecker seeking its breakfast or a territorial spat between a blue jay and a cardinal. I have especially enjoyed the hummingbirds that come to admire themselves in the mirrored glass of the parish office door and the red-throated lizards that puff up in the bush outside the office window. Baby rabbits and even a shy little mouse have been crouched near the flowers along the walk as I leave in the afternoon. Other favorites include the turtle dove who has made her nest in the light fixture above the main entrance to the Narthex and the two nests of ground snakes living in the remembrance garden, under the protection of St. Francis. I’ve heard rumors they have cousins behind the Garrett-Hall Building, but I must admit, I don’t make it out there often enough to have personal knowledge of the wildlife on that part of the property.

I find it reassuring that despite urban sprawl, God’s creatures have found places to create their homes. They continue to live their simple lives surrounded by the bustle of mankind. We could learn a lesson from them. They have adapted to the changing world. They retain their identity and work around the obstacles placed before them in their quest for survival. As Christians we must also live in a changing world, while working to maintain our identity.

One of the greatest strengths of the Episcopal Church is the fact that we welcome all. And we do so, despite the world around us that wishes to force us into their view of Christianity, telling us to only allow a membership of people who are, “like us,” or who are free of sin. However, if we were free of sin, there wouldn’t be a need for the Church, would there? As the world changes, we will not allow ourselves to be pulled into the trap of bigotry and hatred that some pass off as Christianity. We will maintain our identity, following the examples Jesus set, welcoming all into our membership. And that will keep us strong.

Just as the blue jay and the cardinal offer no apologies for their existence, we have no need to apologize for ours. We should be comfortable in our identity and proud to share our beliefs through our actions in welcoming others…in welcoming all.