There is a kind of intimate fellowship that takes place in our gatherings that I, at least, never experienced in a traditional church. And, I think that intimacy is even more intense for us in the gathering that takes place in our home.
This is the first time that the Sunday group gathered since we lost Maggie. For the "least of these" we drive here from the home, Maggie was a real presence. She anxiously awaited their arrival on Sundays. They never experienced that devotion in any other way in their lives, probably ever.
When I drove them into our driveway, for the first time ever, Maggie didn't come trotting out the sidewalk to greet them. Instead, Evie came out and we told them, while they were still in the car, that Maggie had gotten sick and died.
It was a sad moment.
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Honestly, this was a rather lifeless gathering. Evie tried hard to provide substance in the way we usually find it. But, my heart wasn't in it.
We did all the things we do. Evie led the taking of the bread and cup and she did it well, but doing it in remembrance of Him was less meaningful than usual.
The meal we shared was especially tasty, and I was more involved in the preparation than I usually am --something that should have been a joy, but the act of service felt rather empty.
The people from the home had lost someone. And, they have so few who love them.
I felt their loss.
There is so much unexpected joy and also sorrow in this way of living in community. All the colors are so much brighter.
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