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.