through the years . . . .

if this shore of west cliff drive in santa cruz could talk ... i wonder what it would say?  certainly, through the years, the number of people who have surfed and swam, walked, cycled, skated this patch of land, as well as simply sat and watched/meditated/shared a prayer, must mount into the millions....

through the years, the dreams that were shared, the conversations that occurred, and the promises made on this spot must have evoked a sense of intimacy and promise; the letting go and the starting over; the confessions and the new beginnings -- such a place as this is the collection of wisdom and memories.  the footsteps across this land represent a yearning, i believe, which speaks of hope and possibilities and the letting go of hurts and failures, allowing us to begin anew with renewing freshness.

such is the opportunity of life with god; grace, we call it . . . .

in this warm and loving 1910/11 west cliff drive house, the darlings have made a home.  in and out of their doors, through the years, individuals have come and gone and returned again to find renewal and the gift of hospitality.  such a gift was offered once again on monday evening as darrell and karen and their family welcomed the community into their home (also a vibrant bed and breakfast) in a time of celebration.

through the years this generous couple has offered a home away from home.  and monday evening, the years culminated with a loving tribute.

beginning life together before their teenage years, karen and darrell celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in a contemporary way -- by inviting others to share in their happiness of love -- in particular, inviting couples who previously had been denied the opportunity to fully express their love legally; specifically same gender couples.

on this beautiful evening in santa cruz, the darlings opened their home and their celebration to others, remembering the time as the cake says, 'when we were young and gay'.  couples shared their love stories as did darrell and karen; and, in typical united methodist fashion, a delightful pot-luck was shared by all.  romantic music, the sound of the ocean, and delightful conversation rounded out the evening.

through the years, viewpoints have changed about a variety of subjects -- the rights of certain women and men to be citizens; the rights of people of color to be fully accepted (including marriage to whom they loved), the rights of women and people of color to vote, and now the recognition of the lgbtqi community!

sunday during worship we sang 'lift every voice and sing' ... the on-going discussion now confronting us is making room at the table for the genuine welcome (not simply the toleration of) all people; finding room in our hearts for further discussion of immigration.  the need to be reconciling -- the desire to be inclusive -- the hope to extend the welcome of god's love is not yet complete.  through the years, we have faced the inclusive challenges of a variety of people.  may we continue to prayerfully walk the talk of jesus, who sets us free to share the love.  as we sang on sunday, 'facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won'.