In his poem “For a New
Beginning,” John O. Donohue writes:

Though
your destination is not clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is one with your life’s desire.

Awaken
your spirit to adventure

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

I recognize that everyone has a
comfort zone. How hard (and how often) are you willing to work to get out of
it? Many who have chosen to come to Detroit this summer chose to do so because
something – someone – was urging them forward to experience new ground. The
“destination is not [always] clear” but, as Donohue reminds us, we can “trust
the promise.”

To the nearly 30,000 people who
have already registered for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, thank you for being
willing to “unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning.” And, with Donohue, I
pray that you are awakened to the Spirit of adventure in you, that you hold
nothing back, that you discover the new rhythm that awaits you in Detroit and
join your soul to the world you will experience there.