by Rev. Douglas Taylor

9/26/04

Alone in the world, I was beset with frustration and anger at the world around me: so much injustice and hatred, so little peace and freedom.  I longed to make a difference; I struggled against the powers and institutions.  But my actions seemed insignificant and my words were drowned out.

Then I came into community, a religious community of hope and love.  Here I found support and energy, vision and power, and the authority of shared witness.

And together we changed the world.

Alone in the world I was beset by sorrow and hurt in my life: so much loss and emptiness, so little hope and understanding.  I wept for the pain in my heart; I ached from hardships I bore.  But my tears brought little relief and my burdens grew unwieldy.

Then I came into community, a religious community of hope and love.  Here I found support and compassion, wisdom and grace, and the power of shared suffering.

And together we made life sweeter.

Alone in the world, I was beset by confusion and vapidity in my soul: so much busyness and pettiness, so little depth or connection.  I shriveled inside for want of real spiritual bonds and my soul cried out for meaning.

Then I came into community, a religious community of hope and love.  Here I found support and encouragement, depth and diversity, and power of sharing the journey.

And together we saved my life.

For all the varied reasons that brought us out of loneliness and into community, we give thanks.  For the blessings we each bestow on one another with our energy, compassion, and prayer, we give thanks.  For the blessings we become to others in need we give thanks, and remember that we are not alone.

          This meditation was published in the Skinner House 2005 meditation Anthology, For All That is Our Life

• Meditation