Happy Mothers Day to the Church

To my mother, the Church,

I did it again, I forgot to express my appreciation for all that you do and are.  This is such a common theme in my life. Mother's day was yesterday and yet you did not come to mind to express my appreciation for. And so I write you today, a day late:

I am sorry.

I know few who take on so much love and hate.

I know few who remain so steadfast to accept me back.

You have been a rock, when I've doubted. You've had the faith when I've been faithless. You've sung when I could not sing. You've loved when I could not love.

You remind me of a God that works in spite and despite of all my faults and mistakes.

You remind me that I am part of some thing more, even when I often want to believe it is solely about me.

You remind me of rhythm and patterns,

You remind me of the Story I have been invited into.

You hold my heartbreak.

You celebrate my joys.

You remain, no matter how much I turn away.

I hate you when I love you.

I love you when I hate you.

You remain in the midst of this paradox.

I should say this more.

I should stand with you.

I should...

I should...

I should...

Thank you for always being there.

Thank you for not forgetting me, when I forget you.

For I am you,

and you are me.