Walking Together

"Accompaniment is defined as walking together in a solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality." ~ELCAWhat a beautiful thing.Except as humans we often mess this up from time to time.  No matter how hard we try, and how good our intentions are, occasionally, our experiences, education, culture, and agendas will muddle this up. Thank goodness for forgiveness and being able to try again.And thank goodness for little children who can teach us how to do it right.We decided to have one of our members and his family over for dinner.  He had his children with him for the holidays and Nozomi had enjoyed playing with them at church.  We made some lasagna and pizza and sat down to enjoy some good food and company while our children played.  It sounds like a normal night with friends, but at our table three different languages were spoken.  And what was going on with the children was even more amazing.Our daughter is two.  Our friends children are five and seven, the oldest a boy. Our daughter speaks mostly English, and the other two children speak mostly Korean.  None of this was a problem. They happily ate pizza and played for well over two hours. It was amazing to watch Nozomi play doctor with the little girl.  The little girl would speak Korean, and Nozomi would respond in English.They were truly present with each other. They treated each other with Christ-like love.  
This is how the ELCA does mission.  We walk together and learn from each other.  We are present with each other.  We struggle and succeed together.  We open up to each other and become vulnerable.  We share and live in Christ's story together.  No matter what our zip code, we are all missionaries sharing God's love.  We are one church.
You don't always have to be the same age or speak the same language to walk beside each other.  You just have to be willing to give the Holy Spirit some space and open your heart a little.  You just need to have a little faith like a child.