O Beloved Creator
whose Spirit lives deep within us all,
may the dark and dormant days of the winter season
move us to value this time of year
through your gifts of waiting and awareness.
Slowly and intentionally call us to reflect on our life’s journey:
what it is that we need to release;
and that which we desire to engage.
As the winter brings a death-like quality with its cold and ice,
may a genuine gratitude for our unique lives
rise from our hearts.
O Beloved Creator
who loves us all deeply.
Amen.
—Scott Jenkins, MHM Staff Chaplain*
Winter always involves dormancy and waiting in some form—but how about this pandemic winter of 2020-21? We’ve never experienced a winter like it.
At Joshua Station, the physical hubs of our community life are subdued. Our large Community Room, so often filled with activities and dinners, sits empty. Our kids and families aren’t hanging out at the front desk—a quick masked visit for mail, after a temperature check, is about it. Cooking happens in tight shifts in our kitchen, rather than the usual medley of smells from residents cooking and conversing at once. Indoor and outdoor spaces that usually bustle with volunteer projects and presence are now quiet. Our beautiful little chapel sits locked in the courtyard.
We’re being very creative in our support services and community building, but there’s no mistaking the strangeness. It’s a looooong strange winter indeed.
Remarkably, so much is “rising from the hearts” of our residents and staff. If you could sneak into our “Zoom dinners” you’d hear singing. You’d hear so much overwhelming gratitude and affirmation, that taking turns gets tangled. You’d hear shared releasing, shared desire for engaging, shared longing, and shared hope.
“I never thought I could make it in college, but already I’m starting a new semester.”
“I’m getting my driver’s license.”
“I’m recovering from surgery.”
“We’re starting our book club.”
“We’re starting our Spanish/English language swap; who’s in?”
“I’m dreaming of starting my own business.”
“You’re so inspiring.”
“I’d really like to start saving.”
“I have ideas for healthier meals from our food pantry.”
“I have a book you should read.”
“I’m interning in the same addiction program that saved my life, as I work toward my degree.”
“I’m just grateful.”
O Beloved Creator, whose Spirit lives deep within us all, continue to move us this winter through your gifts!
*More winter prayers and reflections from Fr. Scott Jenkins and other staff can be found in our beautifully illustrated book Beyond Our Efforts: A Celebration of Denver Peacemaking, starting on p. 25.
