“On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there.” [Acts 16:13]
Two weeks ago, two conversations with my wife, Sara, got me thinking about the importance of everyday conversation. The first occurred when Sara found out Ellie was in the hospital. She said “Ruth wants to send Ellie a card.” I said “really.” Sara responded “Yes, Ellie is always sending Ruth cards. Ruth wants to send a get well card to Ellie.” Six month old’s letter writing capabilities are very limited, but with the help of some finger paint, Ruth was able to sign a card with her hand print. Later in the week, I said to Sara, “David’s adoption is going to be finalized next week. He will be baptized on March 15.” She replied, “That is great. Ruth and I might have to play hooky from our church so that we can go to the baptism.”
These two conversations are simple enough. The remarkable part is not the conversations but the connection Sara (and Ruth) have with members of Edwards Church. Sara is only at Edwards about once a month. She has not spent much time at social events; most of her interactions with members of Edwards Church occurred during coffee hour. Seemingly small conversations over coffee gave Sara meaningful connections with a warm and welcoming congregation.
When we think of sacred conversations we often think of significant challenging conversations, but there is something sacred in the small conversations. Simple greetings, chit chat over coffee, and birthday cards can all lead to meaningful sacred connections. How can you engage in a sacred conversation today?
God of community, you brought all things into being; help us to connect with those around us so that we can live in peace and harmony. Amen.