A Christian is one who continues to communicate across all boundaries, a sign of hope for a convergence back to a kind of unity. Thomas Merton, from The Springs of Contemplation, pg. 31.
This is the quote I read last night that put several things into perspective for me. First it immediately and definitively answered my question of whether or not I should send the letter I wrote the other day in my Are we hoarding grace? article. My thought was "Just leave well enough alone." and not to send the letter. Now I will. Second, it answers my questions about why I so badly want to bring together different groups to get to know each other and collaborate on events and projects.
I've always been this way. For the past ten or twelve years it has been my professional calling card and knack to bring groups together who seemingly have not much in common to find and collaborate on projects where both groups benefit. I'm good at it, and I've always considered it a gift. On the other hand, it can also cause conflict. Like the time I wanted to invite less-Christian (in some eyes) religions like Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons to mainstream Christian functions. That did not go over well, and it is more frustrating than angering, because we're all God's children, brothers and sisters - so why don't we try and love each other like we say we do??
I'm not going to get discouraged over this! On the contrary, I feel more resolve to unite Catholics, Protestants, Mormons and Muslims than ever. Until we do, let's all just keep praying for unity and realizing that our Father loves us all the same and wants us to come together for His glory. Now I'm going to contact that nice Mennonite lady I saw last weekend on Home Joys. Gina has some wonderful stories and home tips there.
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