How do we prepare ourselves for co-creation? It’s mind boggling to think of all the elements that have led to us breathing, being alive together, having the problems that we have. The problems we have are not completely of our own making. We participate in them, but a problem only exists in relationship to something else. Even if that something else is our own body, our own mind, our own heart. It is truly strange to think that we inhabit a skin and mind that determines how we see the world. We are thrust into the world full of sound and light and expectation.
Given the day or circumstance, you may see this kind of thrust into the world full of light and sound as a blessing or a burden. This world can seem like not much of anything or too much of everything. It is easy to judge the world, and let it follow its course without our input. Or we attempt to be masters of the universe, trying mightily to create a world we would want to live in, while the world seems to be constantly making other plans, thwarting our best efforts and intentions.
I find it impossible to talk about the world without some kind of imagination.
My favorite line in the Jewish creation story, after each piece of creation, is the affirmation “and it was good.” In the middle of chaos, and the crafting of new beginnings, the attitude that keeps creation a wonder rather than a burden…and it was good. In this line is a certain level of satisfaction that for most of us is hard to digest or believe in.
In order to be a member of this church, we do not require a set of beliefs in the nature of God or the world. We do not require that you believe the world is inherently good, or even that it has inherent meaning whatsoever. The requirement of membership is that you co-create with us. We require that you pitch in with not just your finances and your willing hands, but your yearnings, the things you want but cannot see. We require that you share your curiosity, to help us grow and expand…just like the universe.
The nature of creativity requires both the day and the night. Depending on your orientation, you may be drawn to the night – to the mysteries, the unknown, ambiguity, disorientation, and you may be skeptical of the light.
Or you may be naturally drawn to the light, and afraid of the night, of what lurks out there beyond our understanding or sense. It’s a rare person that can fully see both.
For myself, I’ve been drawn to the night. I’ve been skeptical about the power of light and I’ve been reticent to look at creation, and with full confidence exclaim – it was good. Especially when I see hurt, and I find myself wondering what kind of mad man would say this is good.
But then like Clarke Dewey Welles, a 60 year old man walking around Wick Park, thinking of himself as past his prime with achy bones and doubt, I’ve been shocked by the affirmation of goodness. If Clarke was a woman, “you’re lookin’ good” would be just another obnoxious cat call. But for this portly, older man, it’s pure grace. Even if he doubts its truth, he can’t help but try it on for an afternoon and walk around with it awhile. It lifts him up, and straightens his spine – it gives him his dignity and it reminds him he’s got some place to go.
That is what we do here, folks. We co-create each other’s life.
Sometimes it’s jarring and surprising. Sometimes we are shocked by an affirmation of goodness, an affirmation so strong we can’t help but try it on, even for an afternoon. You are good. You come from goodness, and you are destined to walk with dignity and beauty. You are beautiful. You are talented. In the core of who you are, you are full of love and splendor. Even when it’s night and you see no light – you are good. You come from goodness and you will return to goodness. Don’t take my word for it. You don’t have to believe any of this. Try it on. Let the sunshine soak into your bones. Let it take you for a walk. The world has been expecting your creative spark. Let’s not disappoint.
