Look to the Land

“Wopida” is a Dakota word I’m learning from reading the stories from Lower Phalen Creek Project. “Thank you.” LCPC is the organization which stewards the site of Wakan Tipi, a sacred site for Dakota people. Over the last year and more, small groups from St. Timothy have visited this place— on a walking tour with LCPC staff, picking up trash, or helping to restore native habitat. These are small steps, but I hope important ones, in learning and serving as a church. Part of belonging to God, and belonging to our neighbors, is caring for the places we share.

At the confusing crossroads of Thanksgiving, we find on the one hand the essential spiritual practice of abundance and gratitude, and on the other, lament of the national mythology that has created this particular tradition. The latter concern isn’t just about historical missteps— it’s also about the reality that Christian nationalism still shapes our politics today.

Here at the crossroads, I believe these two paths have at least one thing in common— and that is attention to place: What are the gifts and what are the scars of the land we call home now? What does care for this place look like, honoring the stories it has to tell? Who belongs in this place with us, and how can we share in its abundance?

This Thanksgiving, may our hearts be opened in gratitude, humility and hope.

With you on the journey,
Liesl