Reflections from Taizé, France
by Delcy Kuhlman
 I sit here in my study at Still Waters reflecting on the joys and lessons of the wonderful trip to France – to Taizé. A few months ago we began to have a Taize prayer service here once a month. I did not imagine that I would actually go to Taize. Now I have been filled with much joy: in being welcomed by Sarah Fuste as a traveling companion, in being able to experience Taize first hand, in finding I can almost keep up with those much younger than myself, in being cared for and accepted by those same young persons. Climbing up cathedral towers and small mountains high above Geneva brought joy in seeing the beauty spread below. The wonderful flavor of “stinky cheese” and potatoes made savoring Raclette (a true Swiss dish) joyous. The train ride through the countryside of France, and riding the bus through narrow village streets left me with a grin on my face and longing for time to know the people who lived in that beauty. And now there is joy in coming home and knowing that I am at home in this place.
The joys are mine and will be re-treasured as I look again at the images I captured with my camera. The lessons have been just as numerous as the joys and need a little unpacking to make certain they are not lost.
By the time we reached Detroit I became aware of growth in my life. Delays kept us from making the connection to Europe, postponing our trip for 24 hours. Surprisingly, I found myself calm in the delay and was tempted to smugness until we started running from one gate to another far away – hoping that we might still catch the plane to Paris. I quickly perceived that I was carrying too much baggage. My carry-on bag contained books – too many of them, my journal, earphones, ipod, and knitting, all thought necessary to keep my time productively occupied and/or to be entertained. Now with only one short leg of the journey complete, I was overburdened by STUFF. The rest of the trip only confirmed that I do not need all those things to keep me occupied. I sensed that this was a metaphor of my life and wonder how much of the stuff I carry each day is really excess baggage. I feel called to live more simply.
 We were welcomed at Taize, given a schedule and assigned to sleeping quarters. Immediately I was made aware of my “Sr.” status. Sarah was assigned to a dorm room to sleep six young people. I was given a tiny room that could sleep three seniors but, since it is not yet the busy season, I had the privilege of having the room all to myself. I treasured that gift. Young people who wished to have a silent retreat were to meet with one of the sisters and were given a small private dining room and more seclusion. I thought I would like to join that group and was promptly told “NO” by the sister. I was too old. Now no one could be more aware than I of the difference in chronological age between me and many who come to Still Waters for the purpose of knowing God. Sometimes I’m in wonder at the gracious way God works within our relationships. At the same time I tend to take the inter- generational rapport for granted. Worshiping in a place like Taize, where the whole program is intentionally focused on young (under 30) people, both affirmed the grace experienced in my ordinary life and calls me to wisdom and sensitivity in my longings for my own young friends.
Supper was next on our agenda and I was quickly aware of another area in which I need to learn. Before the meal began a young woman stated that 10 persons were needed to wash the dishes and clean the dining hall. Three more were needed to serve. There would also be a sign-up sheet so that everyone might volunteer for this meal duty through the week. She had no embarrassment in asking for help and everyone was willing to share in the responsibilities. Two hundred people were fed simply and when 5,000 arrive for Easter the work will be just as evenly distributed. I began to sense a call to unashamedly ask for help.
At Taize, everyone gathers for prayer three times a day. The first few prayer times I found myself not wanting to miss anything. While not gawking, I was driven by curiosity, looking here and there to experience the wondrous beauty of a prayer service so different from that of my own life history. I joined in the sung prayer, quieted in the silence, respected the reverence, and hardly knew that I was remaining an observer. It was only in the last couple of prayer times that I sensed a difference in my heart. I was beginning to step out of the observer role and enter into the prayer. I began to feel more like I was worshiping God than learning something new. I felt sadness and loss; almost as if I had wasted three days of opportunity to be in the intimate presence of the One who loves me most and knows me best.
Probably the greatest joy and lesson of the trip to Taize were combined in knowing that I am content right here at Still Waters where two or three or maybe ten might gather to worship and pray together. There is gift in the privilege of watching over this God-space and welcoming you to join us whenever you wish.
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