In tomorrow’s community worship service, I’ll be sharing a song for reflection that’s become an anthem for me during these challenging times.  I’d like to share the lyrics with you as well:

“I Am Willing” by Holly Near

I am open and I am willing

To be hopeless would seem so strange

It dishonors those who go before us

So lift me up to the light of change

There is hurting in my family

There is sorrow in my town

There is panic in the nation

There is wailing the whole world round

May the children see more clearly

May the elders be more wise

May the winds of change caress us

Even though it burns our eyes

Give me a mighty oak to hold my confusion

Give me a desert to hold my fears

Give me a sunset to hold my wonder

Give me an ocean to hold my tears

I find myself constantly returning to these words.  They remind me that what matters most is how I respond when there’s a swirling tornado all around me.  Creation is big enough and powerful enough to hold my confusion and fears, if I can simply remain open and willing.

Of course being open and willing is not always easy.  Am I open to hearing and trying to understand all points of view, even when they’re very different from my own?  Am I willing to admit that I don’t have all the answers and that I’m only able to see things through the lens of my own experiences?  Am I willing to pick up the phone and be the one to apologize, even when the phone feels like it weighs 1,000 lbs.?  In the midst of hurt all around me, I can choose to take small steps towards peace.     

I hope you find some comfort in these lyrics as well.  Today, may we all try to be open and willing, and may we rest in knowing that’s enough. 

Blessings & peace to you,

Jennifer, CPE Intern