FROM WAFFLE HOUSE TO THE BERKELEY CHAPEL
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” – Exodus 3:5
This past Sunday was a much-anticipated daddy-daughter date after church at Waffle House. Beatrix, who is now 5 years old, ordered her usual – a waffle and a side of bacon, but threw me off by ordering a Coke instead of her normal chocolate milk. And while we were waiting for the food to arrive, she looked across the table, motioned out into the parking lot, and said, “You know, daddy, all of this is holy ground because God made it all.” Yes it is, Beatrix.
Of course, this jumpstarted a reflection on holy ground, and I wondered at the time why the astute observation came to her, and somehow escaped me. For I, too, believe that all ground is the sacred landscape of God’s creation.
Perhaps I need reminders, such as the words Beatrix uttered at Waffle House. And there are other particular occasions that serve as those nudges of the holy beneath my feet. Moments of joy and bliss, along with moments of sorrow and grief. Places where we learn the thrill of victory, along with the humility that comes with defeat. Instances that flutter the heart and stir up the soul. These sacred encounters can ground us, causing transformation of spaces that we would otherwise describe as ordinary. Or maybe these encounters simply illuminate the holy that is always below our steps.
The holiness of the grounds at Berkeley are revealed to me quite often. In classrooms when moments of truth and understanding surface, lighting up the faces of both students and teachers. On our fields, courts, mats, and pool, when student-athletes and coaches taste the sweetness of a win or the bitterness of a loss. In our convocations, when students offer and perform in front of peers, displaying tremendous will and courage. In our libraries, where books and discussions open up the imagination of the divine in new and creative ways. In my office, where various spiritual life clubs meet to reflect on purpose, mystery, and the movement of the Great Beyond. On Aye Arboretum, where upwards of 200 students, faculty, and parents gather for Thursday Morning Prayer, whether in person or on Instagram Live. As time goes by, the grounds at Berkeley become more sacred to me. But, in reality, the ground is simply sparked by these encounters and my own eyes are widening to God’s presence.
Which brings me to the ongoing construction of the Berkeley Chapel on the north side of McCleary Mound. I recently had the opportunity to walk those holy grounds for the first time. The experience was anything but ordinary, even with just the foundation, cinder block framing, and trusses above. There was a definite beckoning from God – more than just a spark – that lit up the place. It was as if the Holy One was anticipating the transformational encounters to come, giving me a vivid glimpse of God’s work among us.
Holy ground, and the encounters that it beholds, is meant to travel with us. Beatrix left the sacred grounds of our church and proclaimed God’s beauty in the Waffle House parking lot. Which served to open my heart up to the many ways holiness is beneath my feet, each and every day.
What holy grounds do you walk upon?
Back
This past Sunday was a much-anticipated daddy-daughter date after church at Waffle House. Beatrix, who is now 5 years old, ordered her usual – a waffle and a side of bacon, but threw me off by ordering a Coke instead of her normal chocolate milk. And while we were waiting for the food to arrive, she looked across the table, motioned out into the parking lot, and said, “You know, daddy, all of this is holy ground because God made it all.” Yes it is, Beatrix.
Of course, this jumpstarted a reflection on holy ground, and I wondered at the time why the astute observation came to her, and somehow escaped me. For I, too, believe that all ground is the sacred landscape of God’s creation.
Perhaps I need reminders, such as the words Beatrix uttered at Waffle House. And there are other particular occasions that serve as those nudges of the holy beneath my feet. Moments of joy and bliss, along with moments of sorrow and grief. Places where we learn the thrill of victory, along with the humility that comes with defeat. Instances that flutter the heart and stir up the soul. These sacred encounters can ground us, causing transformation of spaces that we would otherwise describe as ordinary. Or maybe these encounters simply illuminate the holy that is always below our steps.
The holiness of the grounds at Berkeley are revealed to me quite often. In classrooms when moments of truth and understanding surface, lighting up the faces of both students and teachers. On our fields, courts, mats, and pool, when student-athletes and coaches taste the sweetness of a win or the bitterness of a loss. In our convocations, when students offer and perform in front of peers, displaying tremendous will and courage. In our libraries, where books and discussions open up the imagination of the divine in new and creative ways. In my office, where various spiritual life clubs meet to reflect on purpose, mystery, and the movement of the Great Beyond. On Aye Arboretum, where upwards of 200 students, faculty, and parents gather for Thursday Morning Prayer, whether in person or on Instagram Live. As time goes by, the grounds at Berkeley become more sacred to me. But, in reality, the ground is simply sparked by these encounters and my own eyes are widening to God’s presence.
Which brings me to the ongoing construction of the Berkeley Chapel on the north side of McCleary Mound. I recently had the opportunity to walk those holy grounds for the first time. The experience was anything but ordinary, even with just the foundation, cinder block framing, and trusses above. There was a definite beckoning from God – more than just a spark – that lit up the place. It was as if the Holy One was anticipating the transformational encounters to come, giving me a vivid glimpse of God’s work among us.
Holy ground, and the encounters that it beholds, is meant to travel with us. Beatrix left the sacred grounds of our church and proclaimed God’s beauty in the Waffle House parking lot. Which served to open my heart up to the many ways holiness is beneath my feet, each and every day.
What holy grounds do you walk upon?
Berkeley Preparatory School
Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.