Loaves and Fishes

Carl Mazza, the director/founder of Meeting Ground was kind enough to ask me to write an article for their bi-monthly newsletter, Loaves and Fishes. Here is what I sent him:

Comfort Zones

Since arriving here at Clairvaux Farm on Wednesday, June 3, the word “comfort” has maintained a constant presence in my thoughts. First, I was physically uncomfortable after my long car ride here from my home on Long Island. I received such warm welcomes from everyone I met my first few days I couldn’t help but feel comforted. The individual people here are all welcoming. It’s the experience of being here that sets me outside of my comfort zone. Everything about Meeting Ground is radical, and brilliant. The interactions between people here are all new and important. This organization brings people together who would not normally even have the opportunity to set eyes on one another. My primary responsibility here as the Summer Intern is to oversee and assist the work groups that come to learn and give. I think they learn most by their interactions with the residents and staff of Meeting Ground, people they would not otherwise speak with.

I was fortunate enough to be here for the Annual Meeting, a gathering of all those who contribute to Meeting Ground. As it was only my third full day at the farm, I was still unsure of my place in the community. Randy’s sermon during the service has been immensely helpful to me as I sort out my thoughts about Meeting Ground and living on the farm here. During his sermon, Randy used Genesis 12 to discuss the importance of leaving one’s comfort zone for God. Anyone who comes to Meeting Ground is leaving his or her comfort zone. The story of God’s call for Abraham to leave his comfortable, secure life for an undisclosed destination reassured me. I could have found summer employment closer to home, somewhere with air conditioning, somewhere that follows more traditional rules of operation. Sometimes, I wish I were somewhere else, somewhere easier, and more comfortable.

Instead, I am here. The first work group came last week, and with them came energy and lots of work. When she first arrived, one woman in the first group timidly asked me if I felt safe on the farm. I almost laughed at the thought. Of course I immediately assured her that I was perfectly comfortable here, and at that moment I really felt it to be true. When I let myself, I am perfectly at home at Meeting Ground. This organization and the people here are a home. I have found myself more than once referring to the farm as home, and I have only been here a few weeks. Similarly, I have a strong faith in God when I allow myself to. Most times, I am too busy thinking to let myself believe in God. There are times when I forget to be too logical and God slips in. These are the same times when Clairvaux Farm is my home.