The Graze V.121: Just Listen

Dear Friends:

Over these past few years, one of our commitments at Mission Farm has been to listen. The practice of deep listening from a contemplative heart is life changing - really. With each gathering, program or planning session, we approach a space or a situation with an openness to what is, just as it is, (rather than what we wish it were). To do this with a community of people is true communion.

This week, novelist and theologian, Frederick Buechner died at the age of 96. His writing had a profound influence on my life. Particularly his articulation of how God speaks through the quiet, holy space within each of us.

“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”― Frederick Buechner, Now and Then: A Memoir of Vocation

Listening with that sort of open-heartedness seems imperative for our world today as we rediscover our connection with one another and recognize the ‘holy’ that surrounds us.

Coincidentally, this coming week holds the birthday of Mother Teresa, born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, present day Macedonia in 1910. (Gonzhe means “rosebud or “little flower.”) She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Asked by the Nobel committee what advice she had for people who want to promote world peace, she said, “Go home and love your family.” Another interviewer once asked her about her practice of prayer, and she said, “When I pray, mostly I just listen.” “And what does God say?” said the interviewer. “Mostly, God just listens,” she replied.

And finally, I am so encouraged by what scientists are discovering about bees - By listening! Check out this research (and look at these adorable little microphones!!).

And speaking of bees, our beekeeper, Kim French, who is a keen listener to bees at Mission Farm, is leading us in harvesting honey from the Mission Farm Bees this week. She will guide us through this process and with luck we will have honey to make communion bread and share this Sunday!

Please join us at Mission Farm for our Gathering in the Orchard at 9:30am this Sunday, August 21. Our service of ‘listening’ and of Holy Eucharist will include a blessing of our honey harvest from the Mission Farm Bees.

With gratitude and listening from the heart,

Lisa