CAMP Spirit

What does it mean to be "gracious"? Usually this word conjures someone with impeccable grooming, perfect manners, and the ability to excel at hospitality, not to mention an elegantly-appointed table complete with china, crystal, and the right wines for the right food—in short, Bree Vandekamp from Desperate Housewives. But if we look carefully at the etymological roots of the word, "gracious" describes one who displays grace: that unconditional love and generosity that causes one to reach beyond oneself, to care for the comfort of others more than one’s own, to give generously even if it hurts. Such is the character of Spirit: The Divine reaches toward us in generosity and bestows Its grace upon us. We, in turn, have the choice of accepting this grace and allowing it to become manifest in our dealings with others, or rejecting it and sending it back to the Deity marked "return to sender; address unknown."

Sadly, much of our world lacks graciousness and chooses to display meanness and incivility. All you have to do is observe behavior on Route 1 on a Friday afternoon or a check-out counter at Wal-Mart anytime: People are so self-absorbed, in such a hurry, and oblivious to the well-being of others that they display rudeness and boorishness that would have made our ancestors shudder. Rude gestures, coarse language, raised voices—all for what? To get a few car-lengths ahead or into the parking lot a couple of minutes sooner? This is not the way of Spirit. Spirit beckons to everyone, regardless of what kind of vehicle s/he is driving (or whether s/he has a vehicle at all); Spirit embraces those who dress poorly, who speak improperly, and whose manners are inelegant. The end-of-time paradise or the messianic banquet that many faiths extend to those who live good lives does not depend upon one’s pedigree or whether one was a Martha Stewart, a Mother Teresa, or a Kathie Lee Gifford. The poor and the rich, the tasteful and the tacky, the garish and the genteel—all are welcomed and honored by Spirit. The only thing we need to do is accept Spirit’s gift of grace and allow it to affect what we say and do to others.

So as summer winds down, let’s look back and remember how we’ve behaved this summer: Gracious or nasty? Mean or kind? Generous or spiteful? And after doing so, let’s also remember that next summer is only nine months away! It’s not too late to turn over a new leaf! It’s never too late to accept Spirit’s invitation and offer of grace. Blessed be.