Commingling

All of the people shouted with praise to God because the foundation of God’s house had been laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and heads of families, who had seen the first house, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this house, although many others shouted loudly with joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, because the people rejoiced very loudly. The sound was heard at a great distance.” Old and young, joy and sorrow, praise and weeping co-mingle in our church, in our communities, and – often – in our bodies. We sing our refrain of God’s steadfastness through it all; showing up with our whole selves and honoring the whole selves who sit next to us.