Dearest Friends,

Thank you for my Love Bike and for the big, huge ocean of love that has pooled all around me.  The bike, the compassion, the hugs, the circle of community, the immediate response and over-flowing contributions, and even the number of times you didn’t simply say, “Well, you probably shouldn’t have brought it to Yearly and definitely should have locked it” (all absolutely true, I know), has been an incredibly sweet, sweet covering of light.  I have been so humbled by your love. 

Those of you who know me well, know that my inability to say more than ‘wow’ and either smile or get teary, depending on the moment, says a lot.  I’m not usually at a loss for words!  But it’s been an overwhelming experience receiving your gift… and I do so love my Love Bike.  It is just the sweetest thing I have ever been on.  (I’ve already stretched the gear cables out enough that they need adjusted.  And I know the bike shop will do it for free but, gee, I won’t have it for a whole day!) 

As many of you know, the fairly new stereo system that Kevin used for JYM Vespers, JYM Retreats, and his town work was also stolen from the same room.  Your gifts of money exceeded the cost of my bike so much that Kevin can buy a replacement stereo system, too, which is truly a wonderful thing.  And if there is any money remaining, my thought is to have it be used for JYM and JHYM Retreat scholarships.  Wow….wow. 

My mantra from the School of the Spirit program a number of years ago was See What Love Can Do.  That’s been very present with me the past 2 weeks.  Your love and care is extraordinary, and I am so deeply and endlessly grateful to be part of this community.  I keep thinking, if this is what we can do around a bike, imagine what is possible?  And, then….. imagine the unconditional and awesome love of God….?!  I’m so aware that I can’t totally imagine that – but I know what this feels like, and it is breath-takingly beautiful and deeply and profoundly inspiring. 

I so very much hope that each of you have moments in your life when you are as well cared for and loved.  Thank you, from the middle of my heart.

Gretchen

p.s.  I don’t have a list of everyone who financially contributed, and the number of people who gave love and hugs at Yearly is so wide that I can really only send thank you notes such as this, hoping that I eventually reach everyone.  If you think there is someone whom I may not reach, please, please forward this to them. Thank you!