A Lenten Devotion by Karen Albee
You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master.
1Thessalonians 1: 5 (The Message)
As I stood in the kitchen of the Education Building with a few other community members, I felt like a tree standing in the forest. We were each standing there silently, not knowing what to say or what to do. After all, the funeral of a long time member had just ended and we had finished setting up everything for the collation. We just stood together, bearing witness, holding the grief of our loss.
Days later this feeling reminded me of the trees in the woods behind my home. Lots of trees standing, and sometimes one does fall, making a loud noise as it snaps and crashes to the ground.
The other trees continue to stand. The people in the neighborhood, startled by the sound, come out to see which tree has fallen, to bear witness and stand with the trees.
After standing for a while in the kitchen, I remember someone saying something to the effect that all that we can do is follow their good example. If we lead our lives by the best example of those who came before us, then we will also be the best example for others. Ultimately that is what we are called to do. Live our lives according to the Best Example. Sometimes, maybe even often, we will fall short and miss the mark, but then we must forgive and return again to the Best Example.
Loving God,
Thank you for trees that teach us we can stand silently together.
Thank you for community that stands together and models your Best Example.
Thank you for Jesus who is our Best Example.Amen