Dear Beloved of Trinity,
Thursday was “Take Your Child to Work Day.” For those who could, it meant a day away from school and an adventure alongside a parent—getting a glimpse into their world. I remember going to work with my dad during the summertime. It was always such a joy to spend that time with him. I was “Little Paul” and entrusted with my own special tasks, helping with whatever project was at hand.
This week, we were blessed with the presence of Lily McCarther, whose mom, Alicia, serves as my administrative assistant. As it happened, the day of her visit was also the ninth anniversary of her baptism!
We prepared a “Letter of Agreement” for her first official day in the working world. (See below!) For those who know me well, no further explanation is needed.
Her presence was truly a gift to all of us. Throughout the day, I found myself returning again and again to the prayer we say at baptism:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
I have long held this prayer close to my heart—not only for my own children, but for all of us. This is who we are called to be as the people of God at Trinity Church: sustained by the Spirit, inquisitive and discerning, courageous and persevering, always growing in our desire to know and love God—and one another—more fully.
And alongside all of this, we are invited to keep our souls open: open to the abundance of God’s joy, open to awe and wonder, open to the sacred gift of creation and of life itself.
For me, Lily embodied that beautifully.
Thanks be to God for the gift of our children, who so naturally and generously reveal joy and wonder to us. Perhaps we really should have more “Take Your Child to Work” days—we might all be better for it.
Peace and blessings,
Paul+
P.S. This Sunday, there will be a special surprise in the bulletins—courtesy of Lily!
