We chose not to gather on either of the summer long weekends in part because, in this climate, there are many ways to make the most of summer. And one of them is to take a breath of the world. You could think of it this way – of all the living creatures on the planet, we humans are the ones that make worlds. We take the raw stuff that we’re surrounded by (let’s call that the “earth”), and work with it to make worlds. Those worlds we make include all sorts of fascinating things – society, ethnicity, race, culture, history, art, religion…the list could go one for a while. In Genesis, we have this intriguing ancient poem that presents the picture of that “raw stuff” being breathed out by God as speech. It’s like the poets were trying to answer the question, “What is all the mundane and extraordinary stuff I see around me grounded in?”  That requires a metaphor that is both encompassing and accessible. “Breath” is both ordinary and profound. We breath in and out without a thought – until for some reason we can’t, and then we realize that breathing is a pretty big deal. The idea that we live on a planet that is the exhalation of Life itself and that is sustained by that same Life, is a pretty compelling one. And just think – we, of all beings, have the task of taking that living material and giving it shape. We get to make worlds!

So this weekend, on which we are NOT gathering (did I mention that already?), I want to encourage you to take a breath of the world. Take in a big gulp, if that’s what you need. Slow down and let the beauty and complexity (or perhaps simplicity?) of what we have co-created with God seep right into the deepest, most spiritual parts of you. And, since it’s Canada Day and a noteworthy anniversary for the confederation, it might be worth taking a moment to muse on how we’ve done (and how we’re doing) with the raw stuff from which this nation is made. Are we making something that will breathe life into everyone that calls this country “home”? How about the other nations with whom we interact, including the nations that were already here when the settlers arrived? If so, how might we best celebrate? If not, what might it look like to get involved in making it better?

I look forward to our gathering next Sunday morning. For those that like to plan ahead, we’ll be back at Pantages. I’ll send a reminder closer to the date.

For now, just breathe in the world…

Peace,

Tim Plett