 Last Thursday was Thanksgiving! This was only the second time in my life, that I have not traveled back east to be with my relatives and friends. So you can imagine that I was a little sad at first. On Thanksgiving Day my niece had us over for dinner along with 20 of their closest friends. It was an amazing day! The festivities began at 9 AM with a community rented bounce house for the kids. When we arrived at 1 PM they were still going strong.
We were introduced to friends who were open, honest and even vulnerable. As everyone brought something to share, the bountiful meal came together, full of all the traditional foods. After the meal the gathering transitioned to the outdoors. Wow, a block party of sorts: basketball, ping-pong, and movie night. We played ping-pong with some neighbors who graciously included anyone who wandered by.
Looking back on this experience, I give thanks for the Kingdom of God, here and now, not just as a future reality, but a present one. The Kingdom of God is made real when people welcome others warmly; when people open up to one another; when a communal meal is shared; when shoes are found; when games and laughter abound. I have rarely experienced such a community living in harmony with each other; watching out for each other’s children; and visiting door to door with a slice of pie and a kind word. May we keep this spirit throughout the year and find those precious moments to give thanks.
[Reverend Mary]
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Friday, December 5, 2014
First United Methodist Church of San Diego, California, United States "In Real Life-God's Kingdom Here and Now" by Reverend Mary Allman-Boyle for Friday, 5 December 2014
First United Methodist Church of San Diego, California, United States "In Real Life-God's Kingdom Here and Now" by Reverend Mary Allman-Boyle for Friday, 5 December 2014
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