MOMENTARY, MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY

Jim and I spent a day at the Cleveland Clinic this week, where Jim had scans and met with physicians to determine if he had any serious heart issues. We are now relieved and grateful to know that he does not need heart surgery! There will be some additional monitoring and follow-up tests, but most of what we learned was reassuring and hopeful.

On the morning shuttle from our hotel to the clinic that day, we talked with a gentleman from Pennsylvania who was going to sit with his (sedated) wife as she continues to recover from major heart surgery. He described her long journey and his gratitude for the staff at the CC. We were gifted by his words, as we were wondering what might be ahead for us. He seemed to be comforted as we listened to his story, too.

When Jim and I were ready to return to the hotel later that afternoon, we began chatting with three women who were also waiting for the shuttle. The older woman was going to have heart surgery the next day, and her two daughters had accompanied her from Texas. But just as the van pulled up, the mother learned she had to return to the pharmacy, so she told her daughters she would find another way back to the hotel.

The rest of us boarded the van, and Jim and I were happily surprised to find our morning friend on the same shuttle. He shared his wife’s progress and we let him know our good news. Then, the daughters received a call that their mother was just leaving the pharmacy–so we all assured the shuttle driver that we would gladly wait for her. Eventually our new little community was on our way to the hotel, and as we rode along, we discovered that this mother was to have the same surgery as the man’s wife! The assurance and information he offered was so helpful for her and her family.

The shuttle pulled up to the hotel entrance and I asked the woman if we could pray for her. She was deeply touched and delighted to share her name. I then turned to ask the gentleman about praying for his wife, and smiling, he replied, “Sure!” and did the same. We told the group that Jim is a pastor, and we all chuckled about having a “direct line of prayer.” I suddenly felt overwhelmed with peace, gratitude, and love. It seemed as if we were meant to be together for that short time, for each of us benefited and blessed one another in small but remarkable ways.

Could every moment, every person, be a threshold to a sacred experience of community? Perhaps every connection may not be divinely orchestrated, but each one offers us the opportunity to recognize that God is present–in this person, in this moment, and in us–and to open ourselves to that presence. Six strangers drawn together in a time of vulnerability became caring, compassionate friends in a matter of minutes.

Some of our most meaningful communities are not determined by length of time or number of people, but from our awareness that we are standing together in a sacred moment of solidarity and love.

(Photo by Karen)