
The excitement grew as I made my way to my room and met my awesome roommate, Beth Anne, who has intimate knowledge of the “mommy’s first time away blues.” I transform from the “drive of sadness” attire to the “let’s do this” garb and we make our way across the street for a bite. That’s when it started, what I had hoped this weekend would offer me in exchange for a missed week of my little one’s joy: a raw and honest conversation about the Kingdom of God over a glass (or two) of red wine with my sister in Christ. We invited Luther and Calvin and Barth to the table for the discussion, saving the head of the table spot for Jesus, Himself, of course. After all, it’s His most used phrase of the scriptures. It was life-giving, soul-quenching and completely invigorating to recognize the very presence of the Kingdom of God surrounding us. As the meal and conversation came to a close a text came through from gramma - little Gracie had fallen asleep (which means no FaceTime goodnight for mommy.) She was so content she didn’t need it tonight. Thank you God AND, God have mercy...
Author

Holly Norwick
The Rev. Holly Norwick is pastor of the First Christian Congregational Church in Swansea.