Will my heart be ready for them?

How do you measure success in your life and relationships? Many see success through financial returns and accumulation. Others through academic accolades and rewards, physical achievements, political power, moral perfection, associations with famous people. Etc. 

When managing a humble urban ministry to the unhoused and mentally fragile like Network the metrics look a little different. It mostly comes down to one question: Are the people we serve returning again and again to see us? Despite all the obstacles and in light of all the other places they could be, are our friends returning to check in and make the most meaningful connection they know how? And am I faithfully returning to meet them in a meaningful way? 

In the past month there are two Black-Capped Chickadee birds, probably lovers, who keep returning to a broken birdfeeder (the birdfeeder version of Network) on a small Ash tree which sits near our front window. The amount of joy these two little guys bring to me and my family is really funny when you think about it. The delight of their return causes us to sit there on the couch in the morning and patiently wait. It also results in me becoming embarrassingly violent with the squirrels who compete for their real estate and bird seed. These two tiny winged saints with a brain the size of an apple seed bring unexpected hope, delight, and the promise that the exhaustion of winter is making way for the new energy of spring. 

I wonder if our presence – our showing up - is like that for God? What if God waits in anticipation for the delight of our earnest return? Easter is like that. Each spring we practice keeping our eyes open for a thing the church calls resurrection. And one annual Sunday morning we celebrate with God the beautiful joy-filled moment of a divine returning. 

The thing about returns is that they don’t always arrive exactly like we expect them to. Sometimes when a friend from Network leaves for a time they return in a different form. Maybe their body or hair changed or they are mentally healthier or unhealthier. Maybe they are more or less sober. Or maybe Nathan is now Nikki. 

The question is always, “Will my heart be ready for them?”  Will my expectations and judgments steal away the joy and delight? Will my face communicate welcome or disappointment? Will I have room for the resurrected prodigal child of God in whatever form, fashion, or mood they return in? Will I see them through the lens of divine love? 

At Network how we answer these questions determines our measurements for success. Because each and every individual in our community is a reflection of the returning Christ. 

Green Bean Casserole

I can’t remember when I had last indulged in the magical dish known as Green Bean Casserole. Recently, I found myself at a potluck dinner. I passed by all the standards – the dependable mashed potatoes, the faithful coleslaw, that loyal bucket of KFC chicken – and then I spotted it. Just the sight and smell alone triggered a choir of angels to sing the doxology in my mind as I was instantly taken back, back to church potlucks as a kid and back to my own childhood dining room table. I don’t particularly love the taste of Green Bean Casserole, but that All-American entree has an undeniable power about it, a power to warm my heart and help me feel at home.

For the many women and men who live on the streets of Denver opening the door and entering into the living room of Network on a frigid winter night is a lot like Green Bean Casserole – a taste of home (without the French onion breath). As I stand beside the coffee machine and welcome newcomers, who fill up their cup, they release a hefty sigh of relief and say, “I’m so glad you guys are open. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Then there are our regular guests who make Network feel like a homecoming. Teresa brightens our day with her big smile. Gary, per usual, is giving everyone a hard time. Wayne stops in for a refill and a meaningful conversation. Max hits me up for a time of personal prayer and blessing. Tim, one of our regular volunteers, recently said, “I can’t tell you how much I need this place for my soul to feel sane.”

The words of Jesus echoes throughout the room here,

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Jesus knew about the power of a place where the primary agenda is restorative rest and redemptive relationship. Jesus knew about the transformative power of Green Bean Casserole (or in our case a strong cup of dark roast).

In a world of chaos, lack of trust, and constant hustle Network is in the business of making up for lost time. If you didn’t have a childhood worth remembering or any early experience of safe and loving relationship, this community seeks to offer a new imagination and a new normal – one where trustworthy relationships are offered day after day after day.

As we approach the conclusion of another year, all of us here are thankful for you. Your support, donations, and prayer don’t just keep the lights on and the coffee hot, with your help you provide a community that many overlooked and lonely sisters and brothers call home.

Our prayer is that you experience the restorative rest and redemptive relationship of Christ throughout this holiday season.

You are seen. You are known. You are loved.

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