Homecoming :
Stories of Living in God's Way
Stacy Pervall: The Spiritual Practice of Sharing
I have been asked to share with you a practice of mine that puts me on the path of living in God’s way. I must admit that there are very few “practices” in my life. My career choices have left me – a single head of household – with little time for routine practices. It is hard enough to juggle the pressing and often unanticipated obligations of being a daughter, a sister, a parent to my four-legged children, a friend, a mentor, a boss. Honestly, I don’t even have time to eat regularly and I have serious difficulty in taking care of the routine chores of life – like grocery shopping and picking up the dry-cleaning.
I think it’s hard to find time for practices during these very uncertain times. I know I am stressed out most of the time – worrying about whether there’ll be a loss of jobs for my team or whether my Father’s retirement savings will last or whether my Mother’s Medicare will cover her needs. I am sure that many of you are sharing similar concerns. No time, lots of stress. Why in the world would I look to implement a practice which would compete for my dwindling resources of time and money?
The last two months have been especially difficult for me. There are increased job pressures, family needs, and I’ve shared with you my concern for Charles, a friend who is living on an artificial heart. Sometimes, when I’ve had enough sleep, I can name the blessings: I do have a job in these troubled financial times, my parents are generally healthy and lead full lives in retirement, and through the marvel of technology, Charles gets to sit in the sun one hour each day while he awaits a transplant. And our country has elected its first Black President – something I really didn’t believe would happen in my lifetime, let alone my parents’. A new, talented administration is ushering in hope for a better life for all Americans. There is much to be thankful for…
I was struck during Obama’s speech election night – he was speaking to the Nation about stewardship. He said…“This victory is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change…It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice…So let us summon a new spirit of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after – not only ourselves – but each other.”
I have found Christian role models in our congregation. I have been especially moved by Mary Lib and her work with Habitat for Humanity, Pat’s efforts for supportive housing, Jean’s leadership through WIN, and Gerry’s outreach through art. When I see these stewards of our faith, who work to better the lives of others, I often feel shamed that I don’t have more time and energy to give.
And so – even though I struggle to make time and resources available – my practice of living in God’s way has been to come here and be with you…To explore my faith, to experience the Holy Spirit, and to have the opportunity to link arms with true examples of Christian care for others. I share with you – not much – just my song, my story, my struggles, my financial resources, and my prayers. I suspect I have more to give and I strongly believe that this congregation will help me along my journey of service. Let’s discern and pledge how we continue to help each other along the path of living in God’s way…
