Lent is a time of being intentional about remembering our blessings, and is often a time when we are intentional about the food we eat (or don’t eat). This intentionality made me think of one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while, called “The Curse of Blessings.” It reminds us that our perspective on the blessings we have can sometimes transform them into burdens, and the joy in blessings gets leeched out, draining them of what was meant to be good.
I have experienced after-worship “fellowship” that consists of a hastily gulped cup of rotgut Lutheran coffee, with the same bowl of nuts and pastel mints left over from a wedding in 1967 put out over and over again...ten minutes after “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord” the place is cleared out, dark and locked up tight until the next Sunday morning. I am so glad RLC is not like that.
However, I have heard through the grapevine that our after-worship fellowship is on the danger edge of becoming a curse of a blessing. The spreads always, but especially lately, have been incredible, and have, without a doubt, fed us well. It has always been a more than a little bit amazing to me, how the food of the table truly feeds the conversation; because there are such great nibbles, people stay and chat, catching up with one another, moving around in conversation clusters, checking in with old friends and getting to know new ones.
I would like to thank all of you who bring such wonderful and delicious treats to our gatherings. They do, indeed, feed us, body and soul. But if making one more layered ladyfinger trifle makes you cranky, or if you feel making one more layered ladyfinger trifle is classier than the Oreo-encrusted chocolate chip truffles someone else brought, then truly, our blessing has become a curse. If the fellowship table is a contest, no matter what you serve, you lose. We come to your table already fed, with the true blessing of bread and wine. Your gifts are the reflection of the everlasting banquet, to share, and be shared, with thanksgiving and joy. Because we are so blessed by this feast of forgiveness, we are moved to share in the feast of fellowship.
Thank you all for blessing us with your delicious tables. May you be blessed, as well, body and soul.
With joy,
Pr Sue
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