"Maybe we will have such a picnic for all eternity, never tiring of sharing love and appreciation for one another, and always being one with God."
By Peter J. Markavage
Everyone celebrates accomplishments and milestones in their own way; experiences oftentimes can only be once in a lifetime. Recreate as much as one wishes, it’s mostly only the original experience that resonates. The memory is better than trying to relive it.
Such an experience happened to me at the annual Employee Picnic of the Association of Marian Helpers that occurred on Aug.13 on Eden Hill. Here, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception showed appreciation for all that the employees have contributed to the mission of the Marians for many years.
There were more events than ever before from the previous 15 years of the picnic, including a much-anticipated cornhole tournament led by Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, the new director ("Fr. Joseph, MIC") of the Association.
This year’s picnic seems to have been filled with extemporaneous chaos; cameraman Giuseppe being rolled in a zorb in the middle of all the cornhole games; people selflessly giving up their spot in the games so others could play; "The Tide is High" playing in the background; and an original song later played recounting the trials and tribulations of a Marian priest staying up all night to cook new food for the employees.
Slice of Glory
But for me as somewhat of an introvert, those things were symptomatic of a greater vision: a slice of the glory yet to be which can only be experienced in small doses on this side of reality. Though not particularly active, I had my own enjoyment standing next to the large speakers and reveling in the 80’s music blaring out amongst the crowd.
There was a time when one could look at the event as a whole and see smiles, laughter, holy shenanigans by clergy and laypersons alike, and … well, what could only be described as unity. Dogs playing with each other, Fr. Kaz playing pickleball, and spirits soaring high as we all enjoyed the picnic.
I immediately got out my cellphone because as much as I love 80s music, I don’t know most of the titles. Frantically typing out songs I wanted to listen to later - I learned an important lesson. This was an experience that could not be easily reproduced, but the memory lingers reminding us that for those who know Christ as Savior - eternity will reveal something better than this spirit of unity in an amount greater than we could ever experience here.
Announcement: maybe we will have such a picnic for all eternity, never tiring of sharing love and appreciation for one another, and always being one with God.
Nonetheless, perhaps we could attempt to come close again to these outer edges of solitary Christian fellowship in 2025.
Peter J. Markavage is the Executive Assistant for the Association of Marian Helpers.
{shopmercy-ad}