Saturday, July 10, 2010

My dearest God,

When we bought our home in Maine, I liked saying we lived on Pleasant Street. Pleasant is not a word I use often so residing on Pleasant Street seemed more a gift. Tonight I learned more about this second oldest street in Kennebunk.

We attended a party next door. Current and former residents gathered together for a meal and storytelling. I listened as they shared stories of their lives as kids on this short street on the river next to the heart of town. Their eyes twinkled as they talked about playing in the street, making up the game Claw, and running in the woods and fields behind the houses. Relationships were forged by parents who espoused a particular way of life for their children.

I wondered what stories will be told fifty years from now. Would they be pleasant stories like we heard on the porch tonight? Would there be stories of people who cared for each other, giving support and love when needed? Will persons talk about pleasant people on Pleasant Street? I realize that we have a name to live up to. I hope I can contribute to our past reputation as a loving community.

O God,
teach us
to reflect
upon who
we are
as a community.
Show us
the way
of love,
acceptance,
support
and generosity.
May we become
our name.

Love, Andrea