REFLECTIONS
SATISFACTION
As we gather for the 52nd Diocesan Convention, it is a spiritual burden to be apart as we function together. Normally we enjoy the rekindling of longtime friendships, educational opportunities, mealtime fellowship, and gaining new insights. It is so satisfying to be together. Yet, this year’s separation from each other is revealed to us like the feeling of grieving. I find it helpful to be reminded of the Eucharistic prayer that we would normally offer. The prayer contains these words and adding truth: It is right to give thanks to you, Father Almighty‌Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with the Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven. The abiding truth that is in our worship is that we are always together in the Divine Presence.
As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans:
“
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
“
t oget her
Romans 8:38-39
We are always
in the Divine Presence.
THE RT. REV. DABNEY T. SMITH FIFTH BISHOP OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
GRATITUDE
As the wife of the Bishop, I am often seated in the front row at services and events. This pandemic has placed the front row squarely in the center of our home. Each day I am inspired anew by the love and care that every single member of this diocese is taking part in to keep our churches ministering to our flock. The resilience and creativity that has gone into reimagined services, funerals, baptisms, and fellowship astounds me and bolsters my strength to live into my daily devotions. I can’t help but hear a few of the lyrics from Jackson Browne’s 1970’s pop song, The Pretender, when he sings, “we’ll get up and do it again!” That is what I know is happening across this wonderful community of faith…We are getting up, and through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ, living into the awesome call to carry the cross of love.
RESILIENCE
During some tough times in my own life, I’ve learned to consult the Word of God to give me the courage to face my life daily when it seems easier to hide in my house and not face the outside world. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) This verse is my absolute favorite verse in the entire Bible because in this verse God promises that He is working together all of my circumstances, good and bad, for my good. The only requirement is that we must love Him first. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) It is so tempting to try to determine why certain things have happened to us, but I have learned in some situations that it is pointless to try to figure it out. Instead, it is more powerful and ultimately more sensible to trust that we are walking a God-ordained path; a path that only He knows where it will lead.
JOY
Delighting in a deep relationship with God is often experienced with joy. Joy is deeper than happiness. Joy is that deep appreciation for love - that knows love endures in good times and in hard times - in times of social distance and masks. It’s a deep satisfaction that has experienced the depths and now knows even God is in the darkness lifting our hearts and minds and giving grace that we may wait for and work toward
a brighter day.
GRATITUDE
We have always seen our diocesan conventions as a great family reunion. We are always grateful to God for the opportunity to gather, to learn, to worship and continue to build relationships across the length and breadth of the diocese. Just as it would for a family reunion, much planning goes into providing for this opportunity. We are always grateful to our diocesan staff for the behind the scenes work that is needed to make these gatherings successful.
DELIGHT
While we hope that people find themselves participating in things they are passionate about it is also necessary to filter your life through actions that will delight the Lord. As I search for this word throughout the Bible, I can’t help but notice the extreme emotion behind it. Delight is not just “happy” or “good” but seems to be an overwhelmingly fantastic feeling. When we find the things that delight our soul and also delight the Lord, we can be assured that we are doing the right things and finding our true purpose. What greater delight is there than that?
FAITHFULNESS
Faithfulness is a trait that we must cultivate with practice. Being faithful to God when the road is easy and life’s journey is full of delight seems quite easy. But faithfulness is really put to the test when the pressure is on and when the challenges and traumas seem to smother us like a wool blanket in the summer heat. Being faithful in the good times builds our “spiritual memory” in the same way that training for a sporting event creates muscle memory, so when life’s hardships come, we are ready to remain faithful as Christ followers.
JOY
Life is filled with second chances. As Christians we have a Second Chance God who, through Jesus Christ, forgives our transgressions and gives us a second chance over and over again. He also bestows unexpected gifts which enrich our lives. When my wife of 53 years died, I was very lonely. I was given a second chance when I called a church acquaintance and asked her for a date. After two dates, we went our separate ways, perhaps because I was focusing more on the past than the future. Seven months later, I again expressed my loneliness to a men’s discussion group, and they prayed for me. Two weeks later, I received an unexpected invitation from my church acquaintance to sit at her table for a charitable fund raiser. My reluctant acceptance has resulted in a wonderful relationship which is growing on a daily basis. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me two second chances!
CONTENTMENT
Old Hymns speak to me. Simple, straightforward lacking pretense. Many were born from great suffering and sorrow yet their words declare mercy, hope and grace. Hear the words to one such work so insightful and relevant. Jesus I am resting, resting, In the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness, Of Thy loving heart. Oh, how great Thy loving kindness, Vaster, broader than the sea: Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness, Lavished all on me! Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, Know what wealth of grace is Thine, Know Thy certainty of promise, And have made it mine. Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art, And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, Satisfies my heart, Satisfies its deepest longings, Meets, supplies its every need, Compasseth me round with blessings, Thine is love indeed. Author: Jean Sophia Pigott (1867) Jesus, I am Resting, Resting
HOPE
“If there is any period one would desire to be born in, - is it not the age of Revolution; when the old and the new stand side by side, and admit of being compared; when the energies of all men are searched by fear and by hope; when the historic glories of the old, can be compensated by the rich possibilities of the new era? This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but
know what t o do wit h it .”
Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The American Scholar”, a speech at Harvard College on August 31, 1837
RESILIENCE
Living is a work of art. But unlike sculpture, it’s not frozen. Living is a work-inprocess, which can appear to break down, break-up, with fragments missing from our desperate desire to remain intact. Yet, we rush back to create a life of hope and enjoyment as soon as the dust settles from those falling pieces. We make our own art, our yet-to-be-imagined life story with those pieces missing, and that is called resilience. Resilience is persistence, a blessed life-force of unrest that keeps us marching. It is endurance. It makes us more alive, and with God’s help, our capacity for resilience is
eternal.
CONTENTMENT
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, but to give you a future of hope.” ( Jeremiah 1:5a, 29:11) Things in my life have changed, but I have found contentment in life to “press on” because I know God is with me and He has good plans for my future doing His work in the world. I am at peace and He is with me in my journey. God doesn’t start something He doesn’t finish. Thank you Lord, Amen.
Alleluia.
DELIGHT
“Day of delight and beauty unfounded” Hymn 738, Wonder, Love and Praise. How does one find delight in the midst of global pandemic, racial injustice, and political upheaval? Is that even possible or even appropriate? Dichotomous associations abound everywhere and very often, one can’t exist without the other. True delight will be found in pursuing our highest good, for in that we can find God, our light in the darkness. May we find in these times opportunities to be seriously joyful, recklessly peaceful, and to
love aggressively.
GRATITUDE
Imagine my joy and satisfaction that here I am at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center 17 1/2 years later. What started as a job to make money as a Bookkeeper after two years of sailing, turned into a career. After sailing, I had mellowed quite a bit and didn’t want anything very demanding. As I worked at DaySpring over the years though, my love for the place, for the employees, for the Diocesan community and for God grew. I can no longer imagine a place without DaySpring and all that brings to my life. I am very grateful for the plan that God had for me.
FAITHFULNESS
It is human nature to appreciate things more as they are taken away from us. Faith allows us to keep working toward a time when those favorite parts of church - our worship music, coffee hour and Wednesday night gatherings, are restored. Working on diocesan staff, I see that faith every day in our parishes; the ability to continue on, not knowing what will happen the next week. So many questions. Will the choir be singing? Will we have Easter in person? How can you have Pentecost when you can’t bring people together? Or, the questions are sometimes very complex. How do we set up pews when we must be far apart? Do I set up a radio station in my parking lot to hold services? And what happens when this goes on far longer than we ever thought possible? I thank the Lord each day for the faithfulness that we see each day; it is proof that when this time ends, we will have demonstrated the faithfulness that was demanded of us.
HOPE
Hope is one of those words we read in the New Testament that has a variety of meanings. It can be used as a synonym for ‘wish’ as in “I hope it isn’t still raining when the church service is over.” It can also be used as a synonym for expectation of eternal life as when St. Paul says, “That you may know the hope to which He has called you.” But then finally there is hope which can be used as strong desire or yearning as when the apostle says, “I hope to see you soon.” And in this last sense of the word hope I say, “I hope that soon we will be able to meet in person again, see each other’s entire face, shake each other’s hands, sing together, and even hug each other.”
PEACE
When faced with challenges, stresses, or just when I need to clear my heart and my head…I turn to the following prayer. But before praying it I take some deep breaths: Let us pray. Breathe in love, life, mercy Breathe out worry, fear, anxiety Breathe in peace, joy, hope Breathe out busyness, selfishness, greed Breathe in light, Breathe out darkness Breathe in joy, Breathe out sadness Breathe in hope, Breathe out despair Breathe in God’s Light Breathe in God’s Love Breathe in God’s Spirit.
Amen.
RESILIENCE (To the tune of Ode to Joy)
We’re a church known as St. Albans’, ministering on St. Pete Beach. Welcome given to all people, and we’re generous in outreach. But in March a word did reach us, there’s a virus on the way. No more peaceful handshakes, hugging, do a bow, say, “Peace, today”. News was sketchy and uncertain, fear began to take ahold. Doors were closed, no Easter service, how to keep our story told? But resilience is the root of all Christ teaches to the Church. So we started Church-to-Go bags, leaving no one in the lurch. Now we gather on each Sunday, offer thanks and give God praise, For the courage and resilience to still be the Church these days. Some still drive through, some bags delivered, outreach, yes, is going strong. We believe there’s never silence from the Spirit’s sacred song.
SATISFACTION
Satisfaction is what the Diocesan Altar Guild feels when they gather tables full of liturgical goods to be exchanged among our churches. New homes are found for beautiful vestments, linens and brass and no money exchanges hands. It is the most satisfying way to be good stewards of our liturgical treasures. At the end of Convention, even greater satisfaction is felt, as churches and missions have shared our riches and the tables are bare. Even better, it is an annual event!
RESILIENCE
Oxford defines resilience as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Challenges will happen, look for Christ’s light and the growth that will come from them. God’s word provides the strength and courage to overcome the changes around us. Resilience comes when one believes in His promises. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5 ESV)
GRATITUDE Prayerful
I am Grateful.
Thankful for all of my Blessings
My path became rocky, but I passed with God’s help
HOPE
When entering St. Mark’s Marco Island, look to your left and you will see a stained glass anchor, made by my friend Bob Cotton. Within the anchor, you will see a cross. I’m not sure if Bob was deliberately echoing Hebrews 6, but I hope so: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil”. Whether the pandemic, unemployment, the uncertainly of this time, Christian Hope allows us the inner stability to enter into God’s Presence with the assurance that God will remain our hope for years to come.
FAITHFULNESS Lord, open our lips.
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise. Whether said under the oaks with a handful of parishioners in their lawn chairs, or by myself in my room, I know I am not alone when praying Morning Prayer each day. Even before “social distancing” was the rule, it was understood that even when alone we are not apart, but are the Body of Christ joined together. Such is God’s faithfulness-whether we gather physically or gather in spirit, God is always among us, an ever-present help in
t imes of t rouble.
RESILIENCE
Challenged by an invasive pandemic Forced into unforeseeable isolation Confused by relentless misguidance Unable to meet with family, friends, and colleagues Left without sacramental and communal worship Witness to countless loss of lives. Given new opportunities through virtual technology Offered the Word and formation possibilities by gifted teachers Urged to carefully use prayer and study resources with a few others Promised the presence of the Lord at all times and in all places Called to respond to the needs of others in immeasurable ways Granted the grace to continue to walk in love Recognition of a new life of wholeness. Resilience in the light of deep and abiding
faith.
CONTENTMENT
Did you feel it? Did you feel a ripple of contentment course through your heart and mind when you did the right thing? Did it happen when you acted kindly without being attached to the results of your action? Some say contentment is being pleased with who you are right now. Maybe your contentment came from the palpable transformation as you became filled with the Holy Spirit.
JOY
There is an elderly man in my congregation who, whenever someone asks how he is doing, replies with the first line of a song: “I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart.” It never fails to cheer me, but until recently I never felt moved to respond that way. Somehow, in the midst of this time of disease, death, and social disruption, I have learned to find joy in the small things of life. Like waking up in the morning, seeing it is a fine day, and setting off for my morning walk with a flock of sparrows in attendance, remembering that God’s eye is on them - and on me. Like seeing on Zoom the faces of those that I so deeply miss being with in person, but knowing that they are with me and that they are safe and well. And like singing hymns at home because we can’t sing in church just now. Yes, there is much to be sad and anxious about, and even to fear, but finding the small joys is a reminder that grace abounds and love never fails.
RESILIENCE
In the year of planning my daughter’s May 2020 outdoor wedding in the North Carolina mountains, here is what I was worried about: weather. I felt like such a well-prepared planner when I ordered 150 pashminas in the wedding colors for the ladies to use as wraps if it was chilly, and 150 clear umbrellas in case of rain. What’s the old joke? If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans…obviously I was prepared for unseasonable weather but nothing had prepared me for a pandemic, quarantine, travel restrictions, limits on the size of gatherings, and a cancellation of the event. And yet, God was always with us, and we are more resilient than we know sometimes. We threw together, in ten days, a tiny backyard wedding that celebrated the marriage of our daughter and new son-in-law. I baked a cake. The garden was a riot of blooming rose bushes, and there was a symphony of birdsong. We live-streamed the ceremony to the guests. We figured out a joyful Plan B. We are resilient. God is good.
FAITHFULNESS
Jesus said, “What are you looking for? The Kingdom of God is within you, and outside you. This my very body, this is my blood.” Perhaps this meditation is meant for the one who delves into constant prayer, which is the expense of ‘faithfulness’: a centering of the mind, heart and the soul, that place of fidelity and obedience, as it should be. Faithfulness comes from a deep place of trust… “Now faith ‘is’ a confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we ‘do’ not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faithfulness is the Christian-to-God connection. When we cultivate faithfulness, the ‘small things’ do not upset us because we accept life as a gift from God. ‘Faith’ leads us to faithfulness as we are called into companionship and participation with Jesus Christ, our Lord.
GRATITUDE
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report. If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthymeditate on these things. (Philippians 4:4-8)
FAITHFULNESS
My neighbor Lisa really works at being a friend. She stays in touch, she arranges get-togethers, she always has time to chat or call or e-mail. In good times she’s there to celebrate; in bad times she’s there with a casserole, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear. She is a faithful friend. I wish I were as faithful a friend to Jesus. There are always “more important things” - work, family, obligations, distractions that get in the way of prayer and listening. Jesus treats me like His best friend. Why don’t I treat Him like mine?
RESILIENCE
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24) The word resilience reminds me of a baby learning to take his first steps. Chubby, wobbly legs, unsure footing, repeated falls, but eventually developing confidence and learning the mastery of feet firmly rooted to the ground. And the experience of pure joy when that task has been accomplished! Are not our own lives similar to that of a toddler learning to walk? Unanticipated trials of any kind that may cause us to “stumble” or “fall” or to give up hope. Learning how to navigate through these difficult moments, but eventually finding steadier footing awaits us on the other side. We are a resilient people as the Lord lifts us up when we fall and upholds us with His hand.
OVERACHIEVING SW FL DI OC ES
atisfaction with God and each other orshipping congregations aithfulness of the Laity and Clergy ay Parish and Diocesan Staff bring us Joy
abney Smith - Grateful ncarnation that brings Delight fficially having Convention by Zoom OVID-19 in 2020 with Resilient Congregations xperiencing Joy, Hope and Grace pirit filled with Contentment and Faithfulness xtraordinary congregations filled with Christ’s Peace
E
JOY
Watching the petals of a delicate pink rose opening to the light of the morning sun… Feeling the sloppy licks from my grand dog as she bathes my toes with her morning kisses… Tasting the salty tears rolling down from my cheeks as I listen to the melodious sounds of a virtual choir sing “In Christ Alone”… Listening to the soft thumping of my heart as I whisper thankful prayers in the stillness of the night… JOY!
HOPE
We are living in extraordinary times. We have had to learn how to live during a pandemic something most of us have never experienced. We have been separated physically, out of necessity to help stop the spread of the virus. It has been a fearful time. It has been easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. I am thankful that my parish, St. Alfred’s, Palm Harbor, has found new ways to bring hope to the world in the midst of this crisis. In March, we immediately began “live-streaming” our Sunday services on Facebook. Since we could’t be together physically, we decided to offer Morning Prayer as our Sunday service. It has been a real joy to rediscover Morning Prayer - from the beauty of the canticles to the many wonderful prayers. The message of hope is summed up beautifully in the word that end Suffrages B in the Morning Prayer service, “In you, Lord, is our hope; and we shall never hope in vain.” May we all find hope in the Lord.
RESILIENCE
Resilience…the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, toughness. Well, this 2020 year has certainly presented an opportunity for resilience. There has been all the usual day to day challenges that one encounters. But there has been a new villain to deal with called Covid-19. The pandemic has affected the way we interact with each other, family life, work world, shopping, etc. But the pandemic has put a huge deficit in our Christian life, and the way we go about doing God’s work. Going to church on Sunday is a significant part of my life, and that has been interrupted. But I will exhibit resilience!! I will continue to do virtual church and Sunday School, and continue to call parishioners in order to keep in touch and show a sense of family. “To return to God a sacrificial portion of my gift of time, talent, and treasure, which I have received unconditionally from you”.
GRATITUDE
In my office, I have a plaque that has the line from Psalm 118 - This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it. Yesterday is gone and there is no promise of tomorrow, but God has given me THIS day to do His work, to reflect His love, to spread His grace. What a wonderful gift He gives me each day; the opportunity to make a difference, with the obligation to be kind and forgiving. I am ever grateful, and humbly rejoice at the chance to share
His love.
PEACE
I used to seek peace above all things. Peace, I told myself, is when there is no conflict, and I know neither need or want. It is as Julian of Norwich said: “All manner of things shall be well.” But Jesus said he didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. In my heart I know: peace is not the absence of conflict. Peace is wholeness and justice. There will be peace when I am willing to forego my own “peacefulness” for the sake of wholeness and justice for all. That is when “all manner of things shall be well.”
JOY
The broken world lures God’s people away from knowing joy, evidenced by stories of sorrow, struggle, and despair. People cry, “there is no God,” yet our souls know the truth. God has not forsaken us. His indwelling Spirit whispers to all, I am your joy, and you are mine. Joy lives in those grafted in by the very Body and Blood of Jesus. Reconciled to God we can know, live and be His story of joy. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”. ( John 15:11)
PEACE
I have been at DaySpring for eleven years now and I have not felt the way about other places that I’ve worked as I do about DaySpring. On the day that I turned into the driveway of DaySpring for my interview, I felt a sudden peace like I’d not felt before. It was an overwhelming feeling that I’d just driven into another time and place - away from the busy-ness of the rest of the world. From the moment that I started working here, I knew that God has His hand on this place. If I’m troubled about something, I can look out my office window at the pond in front of me, watching the fish jump, the different birds as they are getting their daily meal, an eagle or hawk flying overhead and know that God is watching over this magical place and me. The peace, hope and tranquility that DaySpring offers every day is something to be cherished.
CONTENTMENT No, I am not content half the time irritated I must admit spitting weakness choking on frustration strained bent by distressing things well prior to the unasked sigh not yet anticipating the gift disguised or shards made invisibly round
Contentment is spirit enough to enjoy the hunger and the meal daily mixed into one churning in empty belly gritted teeth and breath’s smile knotted forming a new shape-noted sound of hard wood and blooming flower breath’s hum consenting my yes.
GRATITUDE A Grateful Prayer
Father, Teach us to understand that true happiness is achieved through trusting you in all things and living our life gratefully to you, our God, our Savior and our strength. You show us that every moment of every day is your gift to us. It is our opportunity to be grateful to you. Simple pleasures abound around us. An unexpected, vivid rainbow; the quiet of an early morning as the birds begin to sing when everything in the universe says hello; and the slow, breathtaking sunsets as nature pulls down its curtain to end our day. You have given us a beautiful feast for our eyes and innumerable simple pleasures to enjoy.
t ruly grateful.
For those and so much more, we are
PEACE
The following prayer is one of my favorites, when retiring after a long day: Lord it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen.
A New Zealand Prayer Book: He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa 1989 p. 185
CONTRIBUTORS
Katie Arp • Bruce Birgbauer • The Rev. Michael Cannon • Jack Clark • The Rev. Gigi Conner • James Corn • Laraine Davis on behalf of St. Margaret of Scotland Church • The Rev. Ann Dieterle • Canon Michael Durning • Kevin Fitzgerald • The Rt. Rev. J. Michael & Mrs. Carol Garrison, Assisting Bishop and Spouse • The Rev. Edward Gleason • The Rev. Canon Christopher Gray • The Rev. Paige Hanks • Glenna Hileman • Sarah Hill • The Rt. Rev. Barry R. & Mrs. Mary Howe, Assisting Bishop and Spouse • The Rev. Jane Y. Kelly • Kevin Johnson • LeGrand Jones • Leila Mizer • Ven. Dr. Kathleen Moore • Sue Moshier • Canon Richard Norman • Jan Nothum • The Very Rev. Bryan O’Carroll • Susan O’Carroll • Carla Odell • Garland Pollard • Maisie Reddy • Richard Sias • Jackie Simmons • The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. & Mary Wallis Smith, Fifth Bishop of Southwest Florida and Spouse • Judy Stark • Janice Straske • The Rev. Maggie Sullivan • Dwight Thomas • Canon Anne Vickers • Rev. Lance Wallace • Keitra Waterman
“
peace.
The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you
“
Numbers 6:24-26
THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA