Sometimes you find yourself with your feet in the ashes of life, and at other times you have your feet in the soil of a new beginning.
Four years ago when Malibu Pres burned to the ground I joined a community of amazing people in a grand adventure of the unknown. We stood in the ashes. We picked through the rubble looking for something that may have endured the flames. There was barely anything left.
Yesterday I stood with the kids in the soil. I looked around at the faces of the jr. highers who were my little kids 4 years ago. They're becoming men and women, and I know that this experience shaped them. We were all a little bewildered that all of our normal and rhythmic routines were destroyed with every last crayon and marker too. I remember thinking of ways for them to connect to their grief. We built blocks out of hearts, I invited therapists to share with and guide parents, I went to Target and bought markers and crayons again.
I remember the words of the woman who lost her castle in the same Malibu fire. She said "my possessions do not possess me." I liked that. I think there's a great freedom in finding out how much you don't need and knowing your identity rests in your soul and not your things.
Last week I tried to think of a way the kids could participate in the groundbreaking ceremonies. I handed out packets of colored sand and glitter and invited the children onto the soil to dump out the multicolored packets of beauty. There were were again, walking around on an empty place wondering what would come next. This time it seems there is a new beginning, a new building, a new adventure. This season have been significant to each of our lives, young and old. They have shaped me. They have shaped us. They have shown me what the church looks like without it's building and constructs. I see love. I see hope. I see justice. I see redemption. I see a colorful new beginning.
Comments