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When the Roof Caves In...

Two nights ago, while I was sleeping, a heavy rainfall crushed the greenhouse roof, which was not much after all but PVC pipes and plastic. We had a couple of pipes we put in for reinforcement (propped up) when it rained, but we didn't know it was raining, and isn't that just how it goes? The rain comes, the roof falls, while you're sleeping.

No fear, congregation. As I was taught, the church isn't the building. It's the creatures who inhabit it, in a spirit of community and grace and all good things. Only a few of the plants were bruised and disorganized, but well glory... everything is alright. Look here, new green shoots, new underfeathering, leaves widening and spreading. We are alive.

One of my favorite poems is really a hymn because what is a hymn but an act of praise, a song, a poem?

Here's the whole thing (go on... you'll be glad you did): "Sestina"

But oh... this line:

Time to plant tears, says the almanac.

Yes, time to plant tears among the joyful green. We are a nation in a world of hurt right now, with a virus spreading itself like a poisonous vine. We are the inverse, too, a world on the first day of spring, waiting to sprout new life.


We are at once fragile and fearless. The sun is out, and I feel brave today. I hope you do, too. This is a church of the brave. Enjoy the song and feel the rain. Plant the tears. Pray in the way you know how. See you soon under a new roof.




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    1. Thanks for visiting. I'm eager to show you the new sturdier version of the greenhouse... with a special addition.

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