Back in the saddle

I find it difficult to believe that I last posted something here nearly two years ago. Perhaps part of my absence is due to the fact that it became like work, and I felt stressed to get something online. I won't say that this will be a daily, or even weekly column, but I do want to reflect, from time to time, and this is a good way in which to do this.

Here is our annual greeting to family and friends. may you receive it with much love and also with a challenge to think about your life and what you are doing at this particular moment in time.

Enjoy!

De
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December 1, 2011

Dear family & friends:

Each Sunday in worship we “pass the peace” to those near us. By doing so, we are carrying on the spirit of the tradition established by the Apostle Paul during the first century. He directed believers to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” We do so with hugs and/or handshakes, but the intention is the same: we recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate each other as members of God’s family of believers. One person says “The peace of Christ (or the peace of the Lord) be with you.” The response “and also with you” is then offered by the other person. It is a brief moment of celebration and affirmation during which all present have the opportunity to bless and be blessed with Christ’s peace.

Recently during the passing of the peace at our church, I knelt down in front of a little girl and said, "Peace be with you!" She smiled, offered these words back to me, and proceeded to wrap her arms around my neck, nearly dragging me to the carpet.

I stood up and started toward someone else when I felt a sharp tug on my arm. I looked around and saw her four-year-old brother. His small hand gripped my right arm. In the midst of all the adults, there was this young boy looking up at me, practically shouting "Me! Don't forget me! Do me!"

I knelt down again in the midst of the sea of big people, and took his hand, saying, "The peace of Christ be with you."

"You, too!" he replied with much enthusiasm, and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

The image of his face is still etched in my mind. This child was beaming, smiling, and exuding authentic joy. He also reminded me of what each of us desires and needs: to be noticed, accepted, loved, forgiven, and empowered to life full of joy with the support of others.

During this holy time of the year when gifts are foremost in our minds, let us consider how we might reach out to others to offer words and gestures of blessing and peace. A colleague in ministry shared that same week about going into a fast food restaurant to eat lunch. As she moved with her food toward a table, she noticed that there was only one other person present. She called out, “Would you mind if I joined you?”

“Oh, yes! Please join me.”

As they broke bread together, the woman shared how the pastor was the first person in more than a week with whom she had spoken. Her presence reminded this woman that she was wanted, even needed, and was certainly worthy of God’s acceptance and love.

There are most likely people in your life who, like this boy and nameless woman, need to feel as if they count. Be intentional in the next few weeks in reaching out to others, known to you as well as unknown, if for no other reason than to remind them that they are valuable in God’s sight. These people might not grab your arm and tug on it, but you, knowing the power of taking the initiative, can radically alter their lives with simple gestures. After all, isn’t this the season of simplicity?

May you and all those with whom you are connected experience much joy and renewal as you enter into this most holy and wonderful time of the year. May you also be intentional in taking time to be still and consider what is really important to you.

Blessings and peace,

De and Bonnie
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A personal note:

Not much has changed in our lives since last year. We still volunteer and remain active within the church. We spent a week in the Napa Valley, California region in May. This gorgeous area reminded us of the wonder of traveling to new places and seeing new sights. Walking among the redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve was a spiritual experience, as was driving along the coast north of San Francisco and experiencing the stark contrast between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

In September, we took an extended trip that allowed us to visit with family, take a few days for ourselves along the way, and end up in New Jersey for De’s 50th high school reunion. It was his first time to attend one of these, and reconnecting with classmates was a joy.

The highlight of our year, however, was the marriage of Bonnie’s son and my stepson, Skip, to Katrina Lamberto on October 22. Katrina hails from Connecticut, but has been here since the late 1990s. I was honored to be one of the two who officiated. They remain in Raleigh.

We always look forward to hearing from you, and hope that you will continue to be in touch.

May you have a meaningful Advent and joyous Christmas (and Hanukah blessings to our Jewish friends).


Contact Info:

Bonnie: hillyer@carolina.rr.com

De: dehillyer@carolina.rr.com

Home Phone: (704) 979-0774

Cell Phone - De: (980) 253-4724

Cell Phone - Bonnie: (980) 253-4725