The where-with-all

Springtime is a beautiful time in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the City of Richmond, and most certainly, in the gardens at Richmond Hill. 

Springtime means awakening to new life. From the dead leaves of winter, new possibilities emerge. Look around the garden. New growth appears everywhere you look. The goldfish frolic in the pond, fine and frisky. The lily pads are spreading there, and the lotus has shown the first of its many blooms.

Springtime is also discernment time at Richmond Hill. As monasteries go, we are unique in that no one here makes this place a permanent residence. Folks answer a call and come into this residential community one of two ways: either a) the Urban Service Corps, which is a one-year commitment to service, with an option to renew for an additional year, — or — b) professional residency, which is a 3-to-5 year commitment wrapped around a specific job description. This call also carries the option and possibility for the renewal of term.

Either way, every spring, in late April and early May, each resident here at Richmond Hill enters a discernment process — sitting, talking and praying with a panel made up of members of Council and other residents. This is a time to look at the year past and look to what’s ahead, examining one’s life in relation to what we feel God is calling each of us to do.

What a privilege it is to take this time to check in, examine and reflect on what is going on in life.

The day following my discernment, as I sat in chapel listening to the sermon, I glanced down and noticed a neighbor’s toe, well manicured with plum nail polish. As I gazed at this snapshot of dress, ankle, foot and sandal, Vermeer’s painting of the Girl with a Pearl Earing came to mind. And I realized the loving attention to detail, the thoughtfulness and intentionality that went into making this ensemble so beautifully put together.

In that moment I caught a glimpse of what it is to care, deeply, right down to your toes. “Ahh,” I thought, “thank you, Lord, for giving us the where-with-all to play in this space called Life.”

Can I dare to care in this way? What will it take for me to say, “I do?”

Richard Rumble
May 2015