Dedicated to the amazing VCC work team who labored
this week on the Mirador de Jenna at Monte Olivos camp, Córdoba, Spain.
Love handled each brick
touched each stone
stirred mortar
& shoveled sand.
Affection was poured
into buckets & wheelbarrows
troweled in cement
sponged over grout.
Endearment floated with dust
onto faces & hands
silted on skill
hazed over craftsmanship.
Mission pushed bodies
beyond fatigue & complaint
passionate teamwork
focused in holy purpose.
Sacrifice coursed through service
consolidated into fence posts
positioned in stones
envisioned in the garden to come.
Tenderness met me
in tear, song & prayer
lingered over conversations
infused work & rest.
Worship took form
standing or kneeling
teaching or learning
directing or following.
Devotion embodied
in glistening love-sweat
in the honoring of excellence
in loving labor, in skill.
Reverence reflected
in the mess, in the weariness
beauty in blessing
& love in a brick.
How could I ever find words to express the humbling experience of watching two teachers, one retired career counselor, a personal trainer, a brilliant computer technician, a women´s ministry leader, a marriage & family therapist and a leadership consultant doing the kind of back-breaking work we just did for five days? There was only one professional bricklayer among us! (And he had the patience of Job.) I am incredulous at your love and sacrifice for our family project honoring Jenna and for your vision for what this place can be for all those who pass through Monte Olivos camp. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is a powerful poem. It captures exactly what we all felt and what we all want the Mirador de Jenna to be - a sacred place infused with affection, sincerity, reverence, joy, and above all love.
ReplyDeleteWould have loved to be with you in person as I was in spirit...
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