Rainy Day in Boston

Today it rained in Boston. As I sit in a Pete’s Coffee in Newton and cradle my cup of Black Currant tea in my hands, I’m reminded of my friend Katy Van de Putte from Albion. She likes it when it rains, rain for her is God’s way of washing everything clean, as a reminder that we are forgiven and that we can start again.

In some ways I feel a need to start again, to try in whatever ways are possible to set aside my lenses and paradigms as we begin our Pilgrimage. In visiting divinity and theological schools this week, it has been fascinating to see what preconceived notions about a school we arrive with. As we meet with students and toured campuses our ideas have either been affirmed or rejected by our experiences there. America is an amazingly diverse place in terms of religious traditions and I pray that our eyes can be opened to see and experience that on this journey.

We visited the Pluralism Project in Cambridge for example, and learned about the work they are doing there to provide resources for people of different faiths. These traditions are at times struggling to come together, often after issues of ignorance and fear had driven a wedge into a community. The InterFaith Conference in D.C. is really one of the organizations on the edge in helping people to build relationships and understanding among differing faith communities. Kent and I are both looking forward to our time there and to being able to serve.

Traveling as we are now is a wonderful opportunity, as is visiting with family and investigation potential schools. However, both of us at heart are eager to arrive at our first location and to begin the work of helping others. I learned when I first moved to LA that while the contemplative life may be the philosophical ideal, I’m always convicted after a time that I have been given so much I need to be involved in some endeavor that allows me to give back.

Peace, Eric :p