When I was a hospital chaplain, we went through a training through Emory University called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT). This training involved a series of mindfulness practices to help increase our capacity for compassion. In turn, we would introduce some of these practices to our patients, or care-seekers.
One of my favorite insights from this training was the concept of a “nurturing moment.” A nurturing moment is something in our memory that brings back feelings of warmth and security. A nurturing moment could be a memory of a time spent with family or friends. It could be a place — a beloved city, a parish, or a place outside in God’s creation. My boss would often say that if we were able to bring enough nurturing moments to mind, we would have the resilience for whatever life brings.
I didn’t get to know Ann McGovern like some of you did. But I did get to visit her twice. The first time was with Nick, my first week at Epiphany. I’m sure I was wide-eyed and notably nervous as I had just moved to New England the week before. The second time was a couple weeks later on my own. I went to The Gables without telling her in advance and knocked on her door. Being the hospitable person she is, she immediately let me in, but also said, “Wait, why are you already visiting me again?”
In this conversation she shared with me the difficulties of moving from her home to The Gables and the loss of independence in that transition. It became clear to me that what she missed the most was living next to her beloved Winter Pond. It was also clear to me, that Winter Pond was her nurturing moment. Her eyes lit up when she talked about this kettle pond that she was so passionate about. She even gave me the directions to make sure that I would drive by it on my way back to Epiphany. I promised to wave hello to the little pond for her.
The final time I interacted with Ann was on Rally Sunday. I walked over to her in her seat to give her Eucharist.
Winter Pond and this place, Epiphany, were and are Ann’s nurturing moments.
Last week in the 3 Crowns, Nick talked about coping with change — that God is with us in the midst of change and transition.
To add to that, we know that God is with us because God gifts us with nurturing moments throughout our lives. They are the moments that give us the courage to keep going and they are also the moments that make life beautiful. My hope for us as a parish, is that in our time together we are creating these nurturing moments. Perhaps one day, when we look back on this season together, we will be surrounded by feelings of warmth and deep gratitude.
With hope,
Janelle
