By Maggie Morey
This week marked the halfway point in the calendar year. On Wednesday, we were 182 days removed from Jan. 1 and 182 days away from Dec. 31. And I have found myself asking, how is the year only and already halfway through? We began this year with Epiphany, moved through to Lent, then Easter and Pentecost.
Here we are now, in the summer, deep in the ordinary time of the church. Perhaps not ordinary in the sense that we think of but rather ordinary in the sense of the “everyday.” This time in the life of the Church is to reflect on the life and teachings of Christ, to engage in the everydayness of our faith.
So often, we tend to think about what came before or what is coming next, rather than thinking about what is happening right now. We can fixate on the past, either romanticizing or challenging that time; or we can look too far into the future, worrying and planning for things that may not come to pass.
This first half of the year has flown by for some and dragged for others. But in either case, we are here — in this moment.
Whether you’re reading from a pew before worship or online from home, take a moment and think about all the steps that got you to where you are this morning. Perhaps there was the mad dash to get families out the door on time. Maybe you had a slow cup of coffee as you got ready for the day. Perhaps your day began in reflection if today is the anniversary of something celebratory, or of some great grief.
Now move your mind to the noon hour — what do you have going on after worship? Do you have lunch plans, are you going to be setting up for Cooking Camp or Listen to Your Art? What does the rest of the day hold for you?
Once you are done with that, take a deep breath and remember that you are here in this space.
Each step of the morning brought you here to this moment when we are gathered together to worship with one another.
As we prepare for worship, breathe deep and know that whatever you bring to this space, you do not carry it alone. Let this time be a reminder of how the Spirit moves through the everydayness of our faith.