The idea of the Trinity - a Triune God - Three beings in One is mysterious and perplexing, perhaps by design. Maybe the confusing nature of a God in three forms is intended to draw us into a sense of awe and reverence where we know the power of a God who created the world, knowing all; we sense the quiver of the wise, creative, compelling Spirit who nudges us toward good and right decisions; and we call upon the person of Jesus who is the embodiment of human and Divine perfection able to be compassionate and challenging; gentle and angry; loving and protective.

God continues to “speak in tongues” to us inviting our hearts to dust off fear and dread in order to be powered up by hope and love. This Holy-Spirit-Power-Up activates us to a lasting movement of thriving, God’s intention for us all. God wants us all to thrive. Period.

The Day of Pentecost is about celebrating the life, diversity, and vastness of the Spirit. The day of Pentecost reminds us that Jesus prepared the disciples for the work that they needed to do. This is a time to remember that most of the time the work of the Spirit defies our own expectations and reasonings.

For this reflection, I ask you to engage with a bit of radical heartfelt imagination with a friend. Where can we invite God to imagine with us new ways of being that cause us to thrive?

Of course, it is stories -- not statistics -- that change us and expand our hearts. On Sunday, I shared about an experience that changed my heart resulting from an assignment in seminary. In an ethics class focused on the way the arts shape our theology and moral lens, our final was to create a piece of art that challenged us to compassionately portray a person or group of people we perceive as "the other."

For many, this day stirs a mixture of emotions: joy and grief, gratitude and longing. It’s not always simple, and for many of us, it’s not easy.