A Note from Dean: Walk in the Light

Dear Friends,

Last week our two adolescent grandchildren from Seattle visited during their spring break. We were busy! They spent one entire day on Capitol Hill; observing a session from the Senate Gallery, going to a meeting on Alzheimer’s Disease with patients and their families lobbying for added research funding, eating in the Dirksen cafeteria, riding the tram, seeing their Washington state senators, and touring the old marble bathtubs - among other things. They each got in over 15,000 steps. What they also “got” was an introduction – up close and personal – to how a part of our government works. No civics textbook could make the experience.

Another day we went to the Lincoln and Vietnam memorials. Those structures are so different, and so perfect in their own way. That day appealed more to our hearts than heads. Numerous veterans were at both sacred sites; many in wheelchairs. Seeing the vets shown well-deserved hospitality by their volunteer guides was moving, as was watching them take name etchings or lay remembrances near a fallen friend’s name.

A trip to the National Gallery of Art was yet another experience, as was the American History Museum. And driving past embassies and other notable buildings was also impressive for the kids as were our trips on Metro.

I’m writing about this because we citizens of the DMV can become a bit jaundiced about life here. We complain about the traffic, the Metro, the way Congress is at sixes and sevens, potholes, litter, etc., etc. Yes, there are a myriad of problems to be solved, but through the eyes of young visitors we can be reminded of the grandeur and greatness of living in and around the nation’s capital. It truly is an awesome city.

Likewise, we can critique our Presbytery or our church processes that are often so slow-moving or afflicted with problems caused by all-too-human beings. But do dwell on the weaknesses is to lose sight of the wonderful blessing the Church Universal/our Western Congregation is. Where else can we go to worship God, hear beautiful songs of praise, talk about existential questions we have – doubts and all, learn a countercultural ethic based on love and forgiveness, be cared for, engage in worthy mission, be challenged to grow in generosity, etc., etc.?

We mustn’t let ourselves get grumbly. Let’s count our blessings and be thankful.

In the springtime, we can choose to walk on the warm, invigorating sunny side of the street or on the uncomfortably cool side that’s in the shadows. I hope we will encourage each other to walk in the light.

Grace and peace,

Dean