From the DRE January 2019
A popular song by Joe Darion & Mitchell Leigh begins: “To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe, to bear with unbearable sorrow, to run where the brave dare not go…” But what about that word “impossible”?
My cat, Stormy McKittles would probably not be here today had I believed in that word at all. You see, I was walking down a sidewalk in Tucson, Arizona when I noticed a group of people including Animal Control Workers around a storm drain in the 115 degree heat. When I asked what was going on, they informed me that there were three abandoned kittens in the drain that they couldn’t get out. They said that they had tried all the equipment and resources at their disposal; and that after two days, a rescue was impossible. After a short time the crowd dispersed and the Animal Control workers began to pack up. I had not even heard or seen the kittens myself, and yet I was determined to do something. I found a restaurant and ordered up a tuna melt. Now, Animal Control told me I was crazy because the kittens were 
not old enough to eat, but I walked right over to the opening of that storm drain, opened the carry out carton, and lay myself face down over the top of the storm drain and waited… FOREVER! It was actually only about two hours, but it certainly felt longer in the hot sun. This is when the curious kittens came out. After two attempts and another hour, I caught one of them. I was not at all certain that this little black wailing creature was going to survive; but I knew that if I did not give up, it was a possibility. Though she was starving and terribly dehydrated, she not only survived but is thriving to this day.
What are the possibilities that you see in our faith community? Our vision says we strive “to provide for the religious growth and development of children and youth, to guide and support them in their search for understanding, insight and inspiration and to welcome them into the life of the church.” How do you think we’re doing? Do you envision us learning together more as a multi-generational community? Do you see more celebrations of life, commitment, and change? Do you believe it is possible to work together to share our faith with the community outside our walls? Our vision statement also says that we strive “to participate in a broader fellowship concerned with social justice, peace and a responsible relationship with the environment, so that we may create a better world for all life today and all life tomorrow.” Do you see more opportunities for putting our faith into action? Each Sunday we pledge to “serve humankind in fellowship.” This is because somehow we know that there is not really anything impossible when we come together as a community. (To right the unrightable wrong) We must do this together. And when we work together, if one of us is tired or just does not have the strength…(to try when your arms are too weary) we carry each other to continue the work. (No matter how hopeless, no matter how far to fight for the right).
“There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about. Ask: “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking. Notice what you care about. Assume that many others share your dreams” – Margaret Wheatley
Let us imagine the possibilities. Let us dream the POSSIBLE dream. Let us move ever closer to our shared vision for our community and our world.
