Lean on Me

 

Lean on Me

by Elizabeth Stevenson

Yesterday I was gifted with a lovely email - one that brought a smile. A friend had just purchased a new cane - the beautiful red cane you see above. Since this cane is to become her daily companion she thought it should have a name (Why not?) and asked for suggestions.

How about “Splash” I suggested, imagining my friend getting ready to head outdoors calling out “Ok Splash, let’s go.” Or, when the cane went missing, calling out - “Splash, where the —- are you hiding?” 

My friend is one of four friends who studied together at the Atlantic School of Theology. This week we gathered for what is lovingly called the “19th Hole.” Golfers will know the reference. It’s where you go after an 18 hole golf game to debrief the game, to share stories and a beverage or two. 

In theology school, several of us adopted the name “19th Hole” to describe the debriefing sessions after a late evening class. There we would gather to ponder “What the heck was that all about?” There may have been a beverage or two.

Years have gone by. Life has happened since those heady theological conversations. We love. A lot! Our skin doesn’t fit like it once did. Val has been living with cancer and chemotherapy for 20 years. Shelley lives with a brain injury - the result of a car accident 15 years ago. Beth lives with chronic pain. And most recently the deepest pain of living with the knowledge that her adult son has stage four cancer. Chemotherapy is now part of her family story. And me.

Still on Monday, we four friends, (from PEI, NS and NB) gathered in Moncton for a “19th Hole.” Around a table we spilled our coffee and life stories. We laughed. We cried. We shared our fears and celebrations. Did I say we laughed? 

We reflected on “Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Loved” as written by Kate Bowler. Funny how it is that when we can’t find the words, can’t find the phrases, these old clichés bubble forth. 

We reflected on “But for the grace of God go I.”  Another nasty phrase often spoken or thought when we witness someone in pain. 

If you ever find yourself thinking these phrases - just STOP. God’s grace is not just for the well healed. These beautiful women live with God’s grace amid the challenges. 

The amazing take away for me is the profound testimony to the Human Divine Spirit  - that no one wants to be defined by their pain, be it chemotherapy, confusion or fear. We want to live life to the fullest amid the challenges. As one friend concluded “That’s life!”

Come what may, that table was Holy ground and there were angels all around. 

Whatever table you may gather around this week, may someone be blessed by your presence, your smile, your touch.