FROM THE PASTOR
The God of Yes
This week while I was preparing for the sermon and spending time in the gospel of Luke, a friend pointed me to this poem and reflection titled, “God of Yes.” In order to create healthy boundaries in our world that constantly asks us to do more and be more, we are encouraged to not be afraid of the word, “No.” No creates space to learn and grow. No creates opportunities to nourish ourselves and prioritize our time. No allows for a chance to rest and renew. But what about Yes?
When was the last time you said yes to something outrageous? Did something spontaneously? A few years ago, there was a movie titled, “Yes Day” in which the children of the family get to determine the activities of the day, with very few limitations, and the parents say, “YES!” After so much of their parenting being saying no, it’s a refreshing opportunity for their children to take the lead on the activities for a day. I know families who have also started to do this to create deeper connections with their children. What would a “Yes Day” look like with God?
In light of this week’s gospel, a God of Yes may look like self-care from the creator. The caretaker of our lives weeds, waters, fertilizes, and nourishes us in mind, body and spirit to restore and revitalize each of us to the work and vocation we are each called to do for the sake of God’s kingdom. For your own reflection, I’m including “God of Yes” for our own reflection on this week’s gospel text.
God of Yes
“Cut this tree down! Why should it be wasting the soil?”
“No, let it alone until I dig around it and put manure on it.”
—from Luke 13.7, 8
Be done with the god of demanding
the god of Not Good Enough.
Be done with the God of No.
Turn to the God of Yes,
the God of Let Me Nourish,
the God of I Believe In You.
The God of mercy, God who gives,
God of what takes time,
God of hidden gifts unfolding.
Let the God of Yes dig around your roots.
Feel the patient fingers.
Feel the disturbance.
(Of course that one is also
the God of Manure
for which there is another word.)
Let the God of Manure
turn waste and refuse into food,
death into life.
Let the God of Yes bear fruit in you,
the fruit of Yes for others,
for nourishing, not judging.
This very day you may have the chance
to lay down your axe
and take up a trowel.
Be a gardener of Yes,
and your own roots
may be nourished.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holme
Unfolding Light
