“This could be a good time!” — a hearty encouragement found in a prayer attributed to an unknown elder, from the Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona.
A Hopi Elder speaks: “You have been telling the people that this is the eleventh hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the hour. And there are things to be considered…
“Where are you living? What are you doing? What are your relationships? Are you in right relation? Where is your water? Know your garden. It is time to speak your truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
“Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, this could be a good time! There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly.
“Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep your eyes open, and our heads above the water. And I say see who is there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth comes to a halt. The time for the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
This stirring prayer is a call to reflect on our lives. To gather together. To form community and celebrate. “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
Forming community is done every day and in many ways in Point Roberts. So many opportunities to look out for neighbors. To lend a hand. Some are organized groups that exist to serve others, some are social or sports groups, some offer opportunities to explore spirituality and develop faith. And some opportunities go unspoken. Simple, quiet acts of kindness. We go into the future together, stronger and richer for these moments when friendships form. Some say the next step for humankind is sharing.
Trinity Church offers spiritual messages from Lutheran and other traditions, on Sundays at 11 a.m. Coming up: outreach in October is Fred Culbert’s “The Power of Music” with curated music videos, Saturday, Oct. 24. Tuesday School for young people happens every week, led by parents and pastors.
