It has been four years since last we saw one of the signature sights of our city -- the fountain at Point State Park. The wait is over --- tonight at 5 pm, the ribbon will be cut and the water will flow and soar to a height of 150 feet!
What is it that draws us to water?
We vacation at the ocean and spend hours walking in the surf, sitting on beach chairs reading as the waves roll in the rhythm we try and match with our breathing.
We trace the river’s run. We wade in creeks. We lull away the hours at lakes.
I confess I am one who needs to be near water -- I like to walk along the river’s edge; a favorite vacation spot is the ocean; I have spent many summer days swimming in the Buffalo Creek -- please, let us just pretend the water flowed from pure underground source....
Yet, with all this water log, there is something about the rush of a waterfall or the majestic height of a fountain that always draws me in. Maybe it's my prophet Amos moment of needed recall (a free dessert for the one who can explain that reference).
I am thrilled that finally the fountain at the Point will once again be turned on. I have grown weary of standing near the Fred Rogers stature and looking across the Allegheny River and seeing the teasing, yet, empty base of the fountain. Let the water flow!
The re-opening of the fountain coincides with the start of the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival. Speaking of water, natives of the area know that rain always accompanies the festival. Even if you can’t get to the grand re-opening of the fountain, make it a point in the next days to drive past, walk across (the walkways that is....if you walk across the water....whoa!), or splash in the fountain.
Where are the waterways and water rushes you visit?
sj;
Friday, June 7, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Worth the practicing
A couple of weeks ago on Pentecost Sunday, the church I attend celebrated by taking in as members seven young persons who had just completed their confirmation studies.
In most of the mainline Protestant denominations, youth go through a months long process of study, discussion, and experiences aimed to prepare them to join the church. In theory, the vows that were made at their baptisms they now make for themselves.
At the worship service a couple of weeks ago each of the confirmands had been asked to write a belief statement and portions of those efforts were compiled to make a 2013 Confirmation Class Statement of Belief which was proclaimed by the entire congregation. Very cool.
There was one particular line that caught my attention --- “I still celebrate Easter.”
“I still celebrate Easter.” --- I love that line. In those four words are deep hope, resilient faith, the foundational why of the beliefs we proclaim.
The line reminds me of the farmer, poet and essayist Wendell Berry’s call to us to “practice resurrection.”
I know I need the practice. For me my practice regimen needs to include rising early and greeting the dawn --- stop hitting the snooze button; looking for the beauty in a moment --- pay closer attention, slow down and listen; doing that which is my passion and puts the wind in my sails --- commit myself to this wholly.
I, too, still celebrate Easter....practicing resurrection is part of the celebration.
In most of the mainline Protestant denominations, youth go through a months long process of study, discussion, and experiences aimed to prepare them to join the church. In theory, the vows that were made at their baptisms they now make for themselves.
At the worship service a couple of weeks ago each of the confirmands had been asked to write a belief statement and portions of those efforts were compiled to make a 2013 Confirmation Class Statement of Belief which was proclaimed by the entire congregation. Very cool.
There was one particular line that caught my attention --- “I still celebrate Easter.”
“I still celebrate Easter.” --- I love that line. In those four words are deep hope, resilient faith, the foundational why of the beliefs we proclaim.
The line reminds me of the farmer, poet and essayist Wendell Berry’s call to us to “practice resurrection.”
I know I need the practice. For me my practice regimen needs to include rising early and greeting the dawn --- stop hitting the snooze button; looking for the beauty in a moment --- pay closer attention, slow down and listen; doing that which is my passion and puts the wind in my sails --- commit myself to this wholly.
I, too, still celebrate Easter....practicing resurrection is part of the celebration.
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