How can we truly be present with each other, with the world, and with ourselves? It starts by listening.
Last Sunday, at least 26 of us gathered at Drummoyne Church, drawn together to hear from some of our young people who had just returned from Pilgrimage ’24.
Taliesin Law, Lilly Durston, and Nick Daw shared stories of their time at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, and the unforgettable week spent with other youth at Spectacular, Graceland University. They spoke of coming home with a deeper understanding of who they are and how they want to show up in the world as the best version of themselves. In their stories, they shared the joy and freedom that comes when you take the time to listen to God and surround yourself with love, acceptance, and friendship.
We then moved into a time of quiet reflection, inviting God’s presence into our inner space and allowing grace and kindness to meet us there. From 4-year-olds to 93-year-olds, we took time to listen and express our reflections through drawing.
I'd like to share a poem from that time with you now. As you read, take a moment to be present with God. What feelings or thoughts rise up for you? What surprises you? What is God speaking to your heart?
I am making a home inside myself. A shelter
of kindness where everything
is forgiven, everything allowed—a quiet patch
of sunlight to stretch out without hurry,
where all that has been banished
and buried is welcomed, spoken, listened to—released.
A fiercely friendly place I can claim as my very own.
I am throwing arms open
to the whole of myself—especially the fearful,
fault-finding, falling apart, unfinished parts, knowing
every seed and weed, every drop
of rain, has made the soil richer.
I will light a candle, pour a hot cup of tea, gather
around the warmth of my own blazing fire. I will howl
if I want to, knowing this flame can burn through
any perceived problem, any prescribed
perfectionism,
any lying limitation, every heavy thing.
I am making a home inside myself
where grace blooms in grand and glorious
abundance, a shelter of kindness that grows
all the truest things.
I whisper hallelujah to the friendly
sky. Watch now as I burst into blossom.
Julia Fehrenbacher
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Anne Bonnefin
Communications Coordinator
Community of Christ Australia