It’s All Sacred

Once a month, I have the privilege of leading a spiritual service called Parables. It’s a service designed especially for, with, and by people with disabilities and neurodivergence, though everyone in the wider community is welcome. Each time we gather, there’s a great deal of connection, joy, and reflection.

We often think of sacred acts as those we traditionally associate with worship or spiritual reflection — things like prayer, communion, and meditation. And yes, those can be sacred. But I’ve learned in this community that sacredness reveals itself in all kinds of rhythms and relationships.

After our service on Sunday, someone said with total spontaneity, “I want to sing Thriller!” She went right up to the piano player and asked if she would help. Soon, people were singing, while the piano player picked out the notes, trying to find the right key.

This too is sacred.

Sacredness isn’t confined to formal moments or rituals. It’s present in our joy, our play, our willingness to be fully ourselves, together.

— Renee Roederer