On April 19-21, Bishop Dave Nagler hosted the annual retreat for rostered leaders (and their spouses) in the Hukilau Conference. The following is a brief reflection from Margrethe Kleiber, Dean of the conference.
"I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19)
Our shoes crunched as we walked across the tephra littering the grounds of Kilauea Military Camp. Tephra is the rock, glass, ash, and other particles released into the atmosphere during volcanic activity. It is part of the messy business of creation.
It is a humbling experience to perch on the rim of an active volcano and reflect on the relationship between destruction and creation. It is the perfect place for a clergy retreat as we consider what it might mean for us to be spiritual leaders in these divisive and troubled times.
Bishop Dave reminded us that love is not optional for followers of Jesus. Love, he noted, is not a feeling; it is a posture we adopt as we navigate the times we live in. We do not wish harm to befall anyone. We desire wholeness and flourishing for all creatures.
And while love is not the posture of social media, love must be the posture of the church.
Creation is a messy business, but it is unstoppable. As we drove through the park, we saw trees sprouting out of lava rocks. Likewise, God’s love for the creation, for all people, creatures, and the earth itself, is unstoppable. We who are followers of Jesus hold fast to this hope and promise during these troubled times. We take the posture of love.
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