Thin spots

Thin-ness comes at particular times, as well as in particular places.  This week my daughter went to the Episcopal Youth Event. I listen and it sounds like the Bethel College campus was a thin place this last week.  

Our parish mission trip returned from Nigromante in Southeast Mexico and felt the presence of God, maybe even more so this year because there was no project planned, and it was all about hospitality and receiving from each other.  

There was a conference in North Carolina called the Wild Goose Festival.  The Wild Goose is a Celtic metaphor for the Holy Spirit.  Thin-ness was reported there, as well.  

Praise be to our God known in the thin places, especially so we can find Him when things become thicker, and still hear the flutter of wings.

This week summer came.

Thin spots emerged.

God broke through again and again and again.

In Minnesota they built a house,

Sang and prayed and sang again.

I am told God broke through

Again and again and again.

In Mexico they were greeted

With a brass band and fireworks.

With no project to do,

They met the people again

Anew.

They received the hospitality because

They came

With emptier hands.

It is hard to receive

When your hands are already full.

God showed up.

In North Carolina

The Wild Goose flew.

We have yet to see where it will land.

When there is thin-ness

It is hard to know

The end result,

As if we ever know the end.

We catch a glimpse of the beginning,

A flutter,

A rush

Of wings;

The combination of song and prayer,

The brass band and fireworks,

The meeting in thin places,

And the Goose,

The Wild Goose,

Taking flight.