Homily for Staff Eucharist of Happening 77

Honey Creek, 08-10-2006

Ms. Chandler Case, Rector

What is paradise? It has a few definitions: the Garden of Eden, heaven, or any place or state of perfection. Nowadays, travel agents try to advertise their beaches and islands as paradises. But for me, over the past year, Happening has become my paradise. I’ve gotten to the point where I count the days until the next Happening. And why is Happening a paradise? For one, look outside. The setting is beautiful! On top of that, the music is amazing and the activities are exciting. But most importantly, it is the one place where I feel loved by everyone in the room… where everyone genuinely cares about me… where I matter. Remember your Happening… wasn’t it awesome to be welcomed into a new group so openly? Now that we’ve received such love, we are called to share it with others. This afternoon, a whole new group of Happeners will be arriving. Some of them may have been to Honey Creek before and have maybe even had a taste of what Happening is like, but others will be new to this environment. Whatever the case is, we are asked to completely put ourselves aside and serve these candidates. Whether it is through song, caritas, or just being there to laugh or cry with them, we are to take them in our arms and love them regardless of their past. Being a servant isn’t easy… it’s downright uncomfortable at times, but it is a part of our own spiritual journey. And while we are changing the candidates’ lives, we too will change and grow. We are swiftly approaching an exciting weekend and, granted, things might not go as planned. However, we have each other to give these candidates the time of their lives. So, let’s let go, let God, and welcome them into our paradise.