The bride and groom had written letters to each other that they asked the minister to read. They turned to face each other, and smiled as he read the words they intended to describe their commitment. The story of their relationship unfolded before family and friends. It was deeply powerful.
In somewhat different words, both said the same thing: home is where our relationship is. Home is not a place; it is us and the world we are building together. Where we live and what we do there matter less; home is wherever we are.
The congregation applauded and tears of joy appeared. This couple’s love was genuine. Many would envy their relationship. But over time, even as love grows, they will find something else is needed.
What they still need is a place where they belong. There must be a physical place where they live, set in a location where they find comfort. There must be other people who become treasured friends, and activities that bring fresh energy and purpose. There they can flourish individually and together.
Home can never simply be what we do or who we do it with. Each of us needs a basic, life-giving place that grounds who we are. At their best, this is what congregations do. They orient us; they give us companionship on the journey beyond our immediate commitment; they form our values; they teach us to serve others.
In a word, congregations give us grounding for our lives. However genuine and deep our commitment to one another, we need to put down roots in a place.
In somewhat different words, both said the same thing: home is where our relationship is. Home is not a place; it is us and the world we are building together. Where we live and what we do there matter less; home is wherever we are.
The congregation applauded and tears of joy appeared. This couple’s love was genuine. Many would envy their relationship. But over time, even as love grows, they will find something else is needed.
What they still need is a place where they belong. There must be a physical place where they live, set in a location where they find comfort. There must be other people who become treasured friends, and activities that bring fresh energy and purpose. There they can flourish individually and together.
Home can never simply be what we do or who we do it with. Each of us needs a basic, life-giving place that grounds who we are. At their best, this is what congregations do. They orient us; they give us companionship on the journey beyond our immediate commitment; they form our values; they teach us to serve others.
In a word, congregations give us grounding for our lives. However genuine and deep our commitment to one another, we need to put down roots in a place.
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