A glimpse of Eden

Sometimes, 

working to establish the Kingdom of God 

looks a lot like showing up 

and doing what needs to be done.

The effort isn't glamorous;

it may not even be noticeable.

But then you have a night like tonight -

when Senior High and Adult Mission teams cooked for our Lakota friends;

when barriers were coming down 

and 'community' was being built 

as you watched.

When an 'inter-tribal' dance ended the evening 

but you wanted it to go on and on...

all ages, all genders, 

all tribes, 

dancing together,

laughing,

listening to the heart beat of the drums -

simply enjoying being together...

which isn't 'simple' at all.

It was a Kingdom of God moment...

it was a glimpse of Eden.

And then all that has divided us will merge.

And then compassion will be wedded to power

And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind.

And then both men and women will be gentle.

And then both women and men will be strong.

And then no person will be subject to another’s will.

And then all will be rich and free and varied.

And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many.

And then all will share equally in the earth’s abundance.

And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old.

And then all will nourish the young.

And then all will cherish life’s creatures.

And then all will live in harmony with each other and the earth.

And then everywhere will be called Eden once again.

Judy Chicago