I love this picture!!!!! It was taken this afternoon as we prepared to head out for our Tuesday afternoon game of bowling.  It is a picture of one of the Green House assistants Tiago carrying a core member Carole Gray into the house.  She is capable of walking, (although very slowly), but loves when Tiago carries her and wraps herself around him with a hug and holds on for dear life and a big laugh all the way.

This image struck me on a deeper level.  It is also a great show of how much love we as assistants have for the core members and vice versa.  In the time we have been here, there has been a mutual opening up to one another and our strengths and weaknesses.  It is  a time of holding on to one another and carrying one another in all that we live.

When I left Riverview, it was a difficult time for me.  I was tired and struggling and in need of space to be renewed and face my struggles.  I know the announcement of my leaving on sabbatical was a surprise to most (except those closest to me who knew me).  I knew that I needed to be carried at this time in my life. I had spent 12 years carrying people in their stories and now it was time to be carried.

I truly believe that God planted the seed in my heart to be able to come to this wonderful community of L'Arche.  Even the name "L'Arche" which is French for "Arc" is meaningful as it has been a vessel of love that has carried me in the midst of my own life storm.  I have been surrounded by loving people, a gospel environment and a vessel of love. Like Carole in the picture, I have been carried while here.  I have found support from the core members, other suport assistants, leadership and the friends of L'Arche who come to us each day.  Most importantly I have been carried and cradled by God who has loved me and held me close as a mother does her child. 

I think this Advent season for me is a reminder of those in my life who have carried me in hope.  Throughout my ministry, my growing up, there have always been the people I needed to walk with me and love me.  I am ever grateful for these people and know that God will continue to send them into my life as I continue my jouney.  So be thankful for those who have carried you in your life when you needed it.  Also be courageous enough to carry those who need it.  This is the mystery of incarnation we celebrate this season...God who came into our midst and carries us. 

Until next time...

Jeff