The Unknown

In just a few hours, 4 churches of the Piedmont Convocation of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper SC, will embark on the first ever convocation mission experience.  It's different - traveling with folks we don't really know that well, other than we are fellow Episcopalians.  It's new for some - never having been on a mission team, who will work together, eat together, and literally sleep in the same parish hall together.  It's an adjustment for all - spending hours in the full sun, the stifling heat, and the oppressive humidity, when we're used to working inside.  It is page after page of the unknown - from new acquaintances, a new state, a different bed, different food, sore muscles, dirty skin, dirty hair, to who is making dinner, who is taking out the trash, where will we be working, and what kind of work is there to do.  So many questions.  So much unknown.  And yet....we go anyway.

We go anyway - questions and all - the unknown and all - because that's what we are called to do as followers of Jesus.  We go, not knowing the answers.  We go, not sure of the work to be done.  We go, not sure if we can physically make it through the week.  We go as a group with unique gifts given to us by our creator, as many gifts in fact as there are people on this trip.  As our Epistle for this Sunday says, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Cor 12: 3-13)

And that's why we go.....to use our gifts....to be of service.....for the common good.  We go, as it says in Holy Eucharist Rite One,  "to do all such good works....as thou hast prepared for us to walk in."

And so tomorrow - Pentecost - we will embark on the good works that God has prepared for us to walk in - to be in - to live in - to experience in.  Today, it is the unknown.  By mid week, I am certain it will be called one body, in Christ.