The preparation for this journey included a reading list to learn about what we were going to experience before we went. It helped me to be in the mindset of pilgrimage before the trip began.
On the trip, though, we could tell when we had switched from being Pilgrims to tourists. In tourist mode, the cameras came out and our desire to experience famous places became primary. As pilgrims we were content to journey together caring more about the shared experience of walking through the history of the Methodist movement together. Beginning our days with morning prayer and communion was one of the most beautiful parts.
This parallels the tension of the Christian journey; being in the world but not of it.
I found great warmth and comfort being part of the group. When we were all traveling somewhere together, we all looked out to make sure each person was with us. When we went out together in small groups, the will of the group shifted to whoever wanted to do something the most. My group was wonderful to accommodate my desire to have dinner at the Turf Tavern in Oxford and to have Indian food in London.
Our last full day there, we all got on the tube together (the subway in London) and made our way into town. We waited for each other and navigated this new land with the joking and familiarity that comes from being comfortable in a group.
The next morning I took almost that exact same route, but it was very different alone. Instead of the confidence of community, I felt a little anxious about getting around by myself. This is what it is like to be held close in Christian community and then to be sent out into the world.
Church is supposed to feel like this. It should be a close-knit community bound together in love and a common journey, where we gain strength, purpose, and courage. We hold each other accountable in this church family, to grow to be all that we can in the image of God. Then we are sent out to share that love in the world.
Too many times Church has become a place for us to seek our own feeding, our own preferences, instead of learning how to grow in the self-giving love of Jesus. We stop being pilgrims on a journey together and become tourists wanting to be thrilled and entertained.
As I re-entered my faith community today, I felt very vulnerable after such a meaningful journey. I was very moved to take and serve communion with my own church after being away. This coming week, we will shape and form children in the love of Jesus through our Vacation Bible School. As I continue to process all that I learned, I look forward to the next steps on this journey.
Heather, you did a great job today and it was wonderful to have you back home.
Thank you Blake! It’s good to be back!