“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22
“This is a good thing to do!” someone mentioned after our ALL OUT this past Sunday as we were packing up to go see Canada play South Africa. I had been worried about the weather, but the rain didn’t come and lots of people did. Donelda came early with bubbles, chalk, balloons, and a sign. Jared brought little Hunter with his two front teeth and smiles. Vy and Lily were back from university. The spread of food was abundant. Looking around, I felt so satisfied to see everyone engaging in ways that felt comfortable to them.
Our summer Ordinary Time series is “Growing Fruit Together”. That word, “together”, was an intentional addition. The fruits of the Spirit don’t grow in a vacuum. They grow within us and between us as we stand in the flow of love and do life together, in close proximity.
Last night was my son Adam’s birthday. He is one of those easy to please, unassuming people who doesn’t often say what he wants. When he said, “I would like a fish party for my birthday”, our family went a little crazy. Together, we planned a midsummer festival, dressed up like sea creatures and fishermen, made ceviche, and tackle boxes made of candy. My dad made fun speeches to Adam, King Neptune, and then we presented our gifts. We experienced love and joy as we pooled our creativity together!
I think of Christie and her work with Queer Voices, acting on her desire to make spaces where queer people can be seen and heard. I think of Paul and Angela, acting on their desire to create a summer market where neighbors can come get vegetables. Each of these initiatives is accomplished within a community, by a community. It doesn’t just happen alone. And within these initiatives, good fruit grows.
As we consider the fruits of the Spirit, ask yourself this summer, “What do I want? What do I want for myself, for my people, for my neighborhood, for my world?” How can you create this, together with others, by taking this desire seriously and offering it up to others? Through this coming together, imagine how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control might grow into fruition! It can be scary to take our desires seriously, let people know the dreams of our hearts, and invite people into them. But maybe, it’s worth the risk.
Blessings, Anne