Ken Edwards, Senior Pastor

I think my wife schedules these long distance trips each year to get me far away from work and preoccupations with the computer and cell phone, and to give me focused time to be with my family. One blessing of the trip was that all five of us made the trip together. It also meant that we had four fully licensed drivers in the car and I was able to spend more time reading than driving.  

There were many sacred moments on this family journey. Our first cottage was on the water and the living room had windows on three walls.  Early mornings (yes, I was up early every morning) found me enjoying coffee while watching a seal or a solitary and graceful loon fishing on the water as the sun began to rise above Cadillac Mountain and streak the water with light. Gairdt and Kathryn, both excellent cooks, prepared most of our meals and sharing meals around the table with the family was a great joy. Playing games of Boggle and Scrabble were a source of sacred pleasure. Hiking along the steep cliffs of Monhegan Island and spotting two whales on our voyage were moments of wonder. And we did watch a little World Cup Soccer on TV together, as well. We all need these times away from work and the distractions of life to be with each other and to center our lives around the sacred pleasures of God’s world.

On Monhegan Island, Kathryn and I picked through the sand to find pieces of sea glass. The glass, which comes from discarded glass, has been made quite beautiful by the washing of the tide, washing off the sharp edges and giving the pieces of glass a jeweled and translucent appearance. Local artists find the glass and make beautiful jewelry out of what was once trash. Sea glass always reminds me of the way the waves of God’s grace wash over us, wash off our rough edges, and make something beautiful of our lives. May you experience some of those waves of grace during this summer season!