Consecration SundayOur New Consecration Sunday is coming!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
October 25 Faith Moment by Elaine Dupuis
Good morning. I spoke almost exactly a year ago with a Giving Moment. I shared some of my Faith Journey because, as I said at the time and believe even more today, I think that sharing personal stories can strengthen a relationship and I want to have a stronger relationship with God and with all of you. I was asked to speak today in preparation for Consecration Sunday, which will be in three weeks, on Sunday, November 15th. There will be a special speaker and a catered luncheon on that day, and I’m really looking forward to it. I am hoping that this new approach to stewardship helps all of us grow spiritually and strengthen our relationship with God.
Last October, I mentioned that I attended the Congregational Church in Boxboro regularly as a youngster, but like many, when I became a young adult and encountered the pain and loss of loved ones, I felt angry and betrayed, and turned from God and the church. I stayed away for a while. A few years later, when I experienced deep pain at the loss of my sister, and then immense joy with the birth of my daughter, I opened my mind to a new way of thinking about my relationships with the people in my life, the church and especially God. I came looking for a church to further learn and grow. I found a welcoming church community and inspiring music and pastors at CCOL, and I am so grateful that I did.
Most of us have experienced pain, loss or grief in our lives. These can be life-changing experiences. I have had a few in my life so far. As most of you know, last December during the ice storm, Chris and I came home to our house engulfed in flames. It was terrifying, especially for the children and we were all in shock. Our home and belongings were not salvageable, and the experience was traumatic. Our neighbors, friends, family and people we don’t know reached out to us in many, many ways.
A neighbor literally gave me the coat off her back and another gave Chris the gloves out of his pockets. Children gave Brian and Nadia their clothes, books, toys, and money from their piggy banks. Our family members opened their home to us and friends came from all around with gift cards, clothes, boots - whatever we needed. I look out at all of you and am reminded of all the kind and beautiful gestures we received. We experienced such an outpouring of support and generosity – we were overwhelmed with the power of love and thoughtfulness of others that we could never repay.
I discovered that I’m uncomfortable on the receiving end of so much. I wanted to tell everyone that we’re fine, we have family nearby and we’ll be ok. I did feel that God was with us and that everything would work out, somehow. Sure, we lost everything, but we’d figure it out and “get back to normal”. We made lists of what to do, who to call, how to put our lives back together. It could have been so much worse and we’re forever grateful for that. Still, I ached for the loss my children experienced that I could not undo. I put on a brave face. I was strong for the children. Now and then, I crumbled. It was, and still is, an emotional roller coaster and an exhausting process. It would have been impossible were it not for all the support we received here, at home and from God.
Well, it’s been 10 months since the fire and I’ve been thinking about how this experience changed me so far. Here’s what I came up with: I’m grateful to have my health and have my wonderful husband and children; I have a little more patience these days; a much better appreciation for others all around me, and, most importantly, a willingness to do more than I did before – to think about my impact on others and to give with a generous heart. The overwhelming love we felt from family and friends re-affirmed my sense that God can be everywhere and in all of us – we just need to have our eyes open to see Him and appreciate all that He has given us. He gave us free will to decide how to live our lives. We have new opportunities every day to reach out to others. I found that just smiling does wonders. Most of the time, I’m a pretty happy person, and why shouldn’t I be? I could dwell on my losses, but I’d rather not. I want to listen to God and hear what He has in store for me.
With Consecration Sunday approaching, I’m planning to open my mind to this new program and I think it can help me strengthen my relationship with God. Previously, we were content with our lives, our faith and our giving. We felt that we were giving enough. Now, because of our loss and many, many gifts, I’ve been thinking about it differently and I’m asking myself, “What is enough?” - my perspective has changed.
A year ago, I said: Thanks to the people of this church, my relationship with God is definitely getting better. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m more open-minded now. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and experiences. I appreciate the blessing of having a special relationship with you all here at the Congregational Church of Littleton.
I do, even more today.