“Outwitted” by Edwim Markham
He drew a circle that shut me out–
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!

This poem appropriately sums up the worship theme for February: the practice of inclusion.  Institutionally, inclusion is a circle drawn wide enough to include many people, such as our faith community welcoming worshipers with different beliefs and backgrounds. Personally, inclusion is drawing a wide circle internally, opening our minds to people who are different than ourselves. Minds open to a variety of experiences and outlooks help to create communities and cultures of inclusion.

The task of inclusion starts in our hearts. As such, the month’s spiritual practice is to have a conversation with a stranger. I encourage you to approach everyone with curiosity – being willing to ask questions about something they might be interested in, and then listening. The practice is one of radical openness, where we challenge our biases and make new connections. I reflected on a lesson I learned from my father-in-law about talking to strangers in a blog post, which can be read here: tinyurl.com/2n6j3wxu.

I find that my whole outlook toward people I don’t know changes when I start with curiosity. At a store, coffee shop, church social hour… it is amazing how quickly we can make connections when
we come from a place of openness and curiosity about another. Who have you met? I’d enjoy hearing about your experience. Reach out and let’s share! I can be contacted via phone (412-327-3731), e-mail ([email protected]) or in person at TPUUF. (Thursdays, Sundays I preach & other times by appointment).

Drawing Wide Circles,
Rev. Andrew L. Webe