TO LEAVE… OR TO BE LEAVEN?

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Matthew 13:33 (NRSVUE)

Is it time to leave?

I have given this some thought in recent months. Is it time to leave the U.S. and put down new roots elsewhere? There are many good reasons to do so. The cultures and lifestyles in certain other countries are more beneficial to our well-being. Several friends who recently spent time overseas have described a more peaceful, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. It could be an exciting adventure, as well as an opportunity to grow in cultural awareness and global understanding. And (most of all) I am finding it difficult to live under this current administration, especially when so many dear ones are finding their equality is not honored, their history is erased, their identity is demeaned, their rights are ignored, and their hopes of financial security are undermined.

The idea of beginning anew in a different country is an inviting one. Yet I always return to this truth: I do not want to leave my beloved family and friends.

I hope that a majority of us feel the same way.

So, perhaps this time in life is our sacred calling to set aside the impulse to leave and instead, choose to become leaven. How might we remain to serve as leavening agents of the kingdom of heaven?

Leavening agents react with other ingredients to cause pockets of gas that expand the dough. Jesus seems to be teaching that the kingdom of heaven can be like this; living as Christ wherever we are, we mix in and with others to expand the kingdom and help all the world to rise. We live in love, in kindness, in compassion, spreading goodness wherever we can. We live–here and now–as small initiators of expansive love.

Just as leavening changes its surrounding environment, we can similarly work as agitators for change in the midst of our societal issues–as resisters, advocates, or activists. We can also model the ways of Christ, the ways that are beneficial to all of society, the ways of resistance that run counter to these unhealthy standards of living and believing, the ways of simplicity, generosity, compassion, and hospitality. Leading with our example, we may give some people the courage to do the same–while offering others a reason for hope.

As “human leaven,” we can create pockets of air–open and welcoming spaces that offer others room to breathe. We can become restful places in which people are able to catch their breath in an understanding and peaceful atmosphere. We can maintain openness in our hearts and minds, creating spaces for new growth and insight. We can keep space for listening, room for welcoming, and grace for receiving.

My friend Debbie has made her backyard into a nature sanctuary, a place for birds and bees and small wildlife to safely dwell. Her sanctuary is another open pocket that contributes not only to the flora and fauna there, but to the betterment of our climate and the softness of her soul. She has created a sacred space, a beautiful leavening agent that will help our community–and bit by bit, the world–to rise. As I learn more about what she has done, I am inspired to do the same. Debbie is leaven for me; her example of caring and tending for this patch of earth gives me a pocket in which to breathe.

Jesus called himself the Bread of Life. Let’s work to create more pockets of breathing room, more spaces where love can enter and expand, more places for hearts to be changed. Serving as leaven, we can help to enable the goodness of Christ to rise and become the Bread of Life. For every life.

Photo by Aldward Castillo on Unsplash