“The expectant observer sees God’s presence in the assembly’s ability to reach consensus about God’s will. Deliberations work best when those involved listen for what they agree on” –Patricia Thomas, Fruit of the Vine

Query: In the midst of disagreement, how do you remain open to the Spirit? Do you listen for truth in the words others share?

Do Not Be Afraid

If you can focus your eyes

on that bird on the bench,

the one in the charcoal suit

with the off-white shirt,

see that it’s a proper bird,

with a formal tail tipping,

and its head swiveling socially.

Notice how it flaps straight up

and lands on the same spot,

with a bug on its breath.

See it there on the bench, not

as a specimen, example, kind

or type, not as a pet to be held,

not as a carcass for the market,

or as a sacrifice for the altar,

but as a small bird on a bench.

Then you will have prayed,

and prayed well, I would say,

as if you loved an ordinary

and otherwise unnoticed bird.

–Jeffrey Johnson, This Will Be a Sign