Pentecost and Beyond

Sunday was Pentecost and thus begins six months of Ordinary Time in the church calendar.

But ordinary time began much earlier by my reckoning. Life has been very full, routine and rhythmic for the past month.

Babies;
Laundry and dishes and diapers and cleaning and cooking;
Pushing hard to complete the renovation project;
Soccer;
Building flowerbeds and garden space and watching seeds grow;
Various volunteer projects;
Mornings and evenings, weekdays and weekends, mealtimes and bedtimes.

My devotional talks about the importance of living in community during this long season of "ordinary time." However, we have yet to establish a clear community such as we had in our previous home.

Too, Luke talks (in quite a Socialist manner, I would argue) about the early believers living in community, selling their property and possessions and giving their money to those who needed it. 

"They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity" (Luke 2:46).

We haven't found a tight and trusting community such as Luke describes....but then we haven't really searched for it. We've spent a lot of time lately evaluating our beliefs and have come to the conclusion that many churches overcomplicate Christ's command...and for that and various other reasons, we have been slow to become involved in a church again.

Love your God with all your heart, and love your neighbour as yourself.
That is what Jesus commanded, and that is what I hope for this six months.

Our summer offers so many opportunities
for connecting with individuals around us,
for enjoying God's creation,
for teaching little E about the beautiful world we live in.

I intend to bask in the beauty that is Ordinary Time peaceful routine...
to dwell in my community
and, as Luke recorded,
to share meals with great joy and generosity.