“Here I am! I’m totally here. My head is here. I am here.” Chloe Pitard, our very own Mary Poppins, exclaimed these words with enthusiasm as she stepped onto the Parish Hall stage Tuesday night to begin rehearsals for the Redeemer Youth Group play. Chloe’s presence was palpable, and her announcement helped me to recognize this energetic signature within everyone. The crew, cast, parent volunteers and directors were more than just there, they were present in heart and mind. It was remarkable to witness everyone’s patience, cooperation and good humor as they engaged in demanding work.
Participating in the RYG play practices is teaching me again that the gift of practice is not perfection (as the old saying goes), it is presence. Practice asks everything of us. That’s not easy. Yet, the gift we receive is a deeper sense of who we are as we offer up our gifts and take part in something bigger. Here I am! I am here!
Recently my daughter Lila asked me if I was a practicing Christian. She was writing a paragraph about “ma mère” for her 7th grade French Class. It struck me that she chose the words “practicing Christian”. I answered “yes” without hesitation, and that felt good. Yet I did pause to think, “what does it mean to be a practicing Christian?”. It’s a compelling question that feels immediate and personal, like an invitation to listen, to keep questioning, to stay awake. It feels like the dismissal we hear on Sunday, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” Here I am. I am here.
Considering Christianity as a daily practice makes me immensely grateful for the Church of the Redeemer where clergy and congregation live their faith within and well beyond the church walls. We are offered many ways to love courageously, practice peace and patience, and to serve the Lord. Here I am. I am here.
As you put the dates for the The Redeemer Youth Group performances of Mary Poppins in your calendar, consider all the ways our youth are showing up, fully present in mind, body and heart. Here I am. I am Here.
With love,
Vivian
The Redeemer Youth Group performs Mary Poppins
February 22nd and 23rd at 7:30 p.m. and February 24th at 12:30 p.m.