May I have the grace…

Jo Penn August 30, 2022 0 0

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Philippians 1: 22-26 (NRSVA)

22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

‘The need to welcome visitors and strangers as we would welcome Jesus himself is clear, but deeply challenging.’ Scargill community promise

One of my favourite hymns is ‘Brother, sister let me serve you..’ by Richard Gillard as it expresses something of what it is like to live within a resident community. The final lines of the first verse challenge those of us who like to be independent, ‘pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.’

My self-sufficiency was challenged recently when I was in isolation due to Covid: meals were provided for me, left outside of my bedroom door. Kitchen Team do provide meals in the dining room throughout the week for community and guests but this was a very personal gesture of kindness. It was humbling to be served in this way.

I lived on my own for ten years before I came to Scargill, and was responsible for all the household tasks and ‘life administration’. I needed to be self-reliant. Here on community there is a culture of give and take as we seek to live life together. Despite our disagreements and differing viewpoints we have to find a way through to mutual acceptance, compromise and listening to one another. Our short morning meetings are peppered with life-giving laughter, as we look at what is needed for the day ahead and volunteers are found to cover any gaps. This mutual generosity extends to our common task of welcoming guests as we try our very best to respond to their particular needs, enabling them to feel at home.

PRAYER:

Jesus,

You came to serve us, to show what leadership was — on bended knee with a towel wrapped around your waist.

You accepted hospitality from others, and only at the Last Supper took the role of Host.

Thank you God for those that walk with me this day.

Thank you for moments of laughter as we share common tasks.

Thank you for opportunities to serve and be served.

Help me to let others be my servant.

Build our common life.