by Sally Beckman

My first visit to Unity of Albany came about through your minister, Brigid, who just happens to be our beloved daughter. Now I feel grateful to have my feet in two churches.

I am a lifelong Catholic and for many years now, a member of St Vincent de Paul Church in Albany, NY; this is where Brigid met Roger Mock, even before St. Vincent’s was my spiritual home! I am very blessed with this church community of people who believe that Jesus taught us how to live. It is an active parish caring for the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the hungry, the ones seeking deep faith and a true community. I think our church does all of that and more. From this community is forged friendship and caring among its members. It is my happy place and spiritual wellspring.

We are also always welcomed warmly and made to feel like part of the Unity family! On the occasions when we are able to participate in the services at Unity, we have come to know and love many of you personally and all of you collectively. You are also a community who welcomes the stranger, feeds the poor, stands for peace and justice for all and lives the message of Christ authentically. It is another happy place for me, and I am fed and filled with joy when I can be with you all.

I believe that God’s call is for all of us to enflesh the love, peace and caring that Christ came to share and show. I also believe that we are meant to lift each other up, challenge our inertia, give us the help and courage we need to go out and make this world a better place just by being in it.

As spring awakens in the northeast, I am aware of life blooming all around us. It warms my heart and lifts my thoughts to a God who loves us beyond our capacity to even take in fully. As we live out our lives in real time, whether young, old or in between, we are called to find our way to share love and life with all of those who come into our lives. We share what and who we are and plant our seeds and scatter them wherever we go. The breath of God blows them where God will, and they bear fruit that we may never see but God sees and gives a big Yes to our efforts no matter how small they may seem.

Mother Teresa shared these words that give me peace and hope, “”Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love”.

This comes to you as I ponder how God calls me and what in my life feeds my spirit and heart. While our visits to Unity have been fewer as we age, I want you to know how deeply you have touched my life and how grateful I am for you and for your love and caring for our Brigid.