Healing the Work-Weary Soul

"What makes you glad to be alive?" I asked the group. The answers tumbled out in a glorious celebration of life: "Crisp fall days. Walking fast. My new grandson. Woodworking. Singing. Gardening. A night sky full of stars." People laughed, nodded and seemed amazed at the simple pleasures we were naming.

"What changes in the world can our children's generation expect?" My question was purposely ambiguous. Future changes could be hopeful or hard, but the discussion darkened immediately as people named their fears about more people fighting over fewer resources. Indeed, our work-weary souls were glum again. A feeling of helplessness hung in the air.

"And what prayer would you offer for a better future?" Silence spread as we wondered how to name our prayers. Then, instead of talking, I asked people to move to tables piled high with natural fabrics-cotton, linen, rayon, silk-and choose one which they would paint with a prayer for the future of us all.

Initially, people moved tentatively, choosing colors, brushes and a spot to work. Then, as their own images began to take shape on the cloth, a kind of excitement began to spread and they began showing each other how to get certain effects, how to bleed colors by adding water or stop the flow with wax resist. Even the oldest participant, an 88-year-old man, worked intently.

At that time, I had only read a little pamphlet about Louise Todd Cope's vision for "Cloaking the Earth" by making prayer shawls to celebrate the coming Millennium. A more complete description is included in the centerfold article of this magazine. I thought the idea was simple and doable, a sign of religious solidarity and spiritual yearning that would span divisions everywhere, a way to bring the image of God's sheltering care into the reality of our daily lives. I could feel hope return as we mixed colors and claimed our creativity together.

All this year, Faith@Work has been featuring "An Invitation to the Work-Weary Soul." The invitation has been to find ways of keeping the Sabbath--not just a Sunday awareness, but of spotting the holy moments and sacred rituals which remind us that God is still revealed in how we relate to each other and to creation. The invitation to join in "cloaking the earth" is an open one, not limited to the turning of this century into the next. It is an invitation to reach beyond the surface frazzle of speed, technology and competition to reclaim our relationship with God. Practicing Sabbath is an invitation for healing the work-weary soul.

With this issue, the Board of Faith@Work affirms our call to serve the wider community of spiritual seekers by expanding the magazine to 32 pages. (Magazine Sign-Up)

In 2,000, our theme will be "Finding Hope." Separate issues will focus on 1) Choices; 2) Children; 3) Community and 4) Caring. If you have a story to share, the editorial board would be glad to consider it.

We look for personal experience, intentional relationships and God's presence. Articles should be about 650 words.

We are also trying to build a small endowment to underwrite the magazine, so if you value this ecumenical and experiential voice of people who are seeking God beyond pat answers and slick formulas, we would welcome your addition to the "Change Lives Campaign"-perhaps as a way of honoring someone you love with a gift that keeps on giving.

May this be a season of blessing and wonder for you.

Marjory Bankson is president of Faith at Work and is a member of The Seekers Church, an offspring of Church of the Saviour in Washington DC.

Faith at Work is establishing a new website, Call To The Soul, focusing upon the journey of call.