Streams of Mercy

Years ago, I discovered the book Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. Perhaps I was drawn by the book’s title and my love for the Mt. Gilead/Lake Tillary area.

“If you ever wonder what you’ve done in your life, and everyone does wonder sooner or later, know that you have been God’s grace to me…” While these words were spoken by an elderly father to his son born late in life, they are the words of my heart when I think of my years in ministry at Jackson Springs Presbyterian. Truly the folks in this corner of creation have been God’s  grace to me!

I once read that we share God’s grace with each other in four ways:  by extending forgiveness and encouragement, and by extending a helping hand and the hope of the gospel. Truly this church family has done this for me again and again,  and hopefully I have done the same for them.

I came across The Graces We Remember (Sacred Days of Ordinary Time) by Phyllis Tickle.  While we have shared memorable times of worship and study and joined in acts of witness and service, the “graces” I remember most are those day by day experiences that we’ve shared together:  feeding the animals at Hurley Farm; sharing breakfasts and lunches at Greenbows and Blakes;  sharing Sunday lunch with families;  being invited to family reunions to get to know the larger family;   visiting in hospital rooms, on porches, in living rooms, and while riding in the car together;  cooking chicken and dumplings at the Community Club;  picking berries at Eagles Nest Berry Farm; sharing in anniversary celebrations down at the Spring;  worshiping in the parking lot during the pandemic;  50+ gatherings and adventures; participating in Jackson Springs Presbyterians 200th Anniversary celebration; celebrating Services of Witness to the Resurrection, baptisms and marriages; just sharing life and love in this special place!

“The graces we remember” keep us close when separated by time and distance, and in ways beyond our understanding, we continue to be God’s grace to one another.

Elizabeth