Weavings Reflection: Oct 9, 2026

Weavings at Five: Woven together through our shared stories

Written by Dave Pfeifer, Covenant Companion

Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.

Five years ago, the first Weavings reflection, “Growing Tomatoes” by Sister Martha Friedman, appeared on the Wheaton Franciscan website. Weavings began as a dream for greater connection. Covenant Companions Vickie Wojciechowski and Carol Sejda had a vision to create a space where members of our community could share a little of our lives so that we could come to know each other more deeply and grow together in our shared Franciscan pilgrimage.

Through Weavings, we have come to know others’ spirits better. We have learned what draws us closer to God. Our shared experiences, through our reflections in Weavings and the conversations they start, help us to discover the depth of our kinship as beloved daughters and sons of God and members of the Franciscan family. Reflections about our pets, our walks, our gardens, the books we read, the spiritual touchstones of our lives, our encounters with nature, losses, births, questions asked and prayers answered, all echo God’s affirmation of creation in Genesis, “God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” Sometimes, in the turmoil and tumult of modern life, we forget. Our shared stories remind us of the God who accompanies us, who is not found in the tumult, but in the light, silent sound. We remember we are not alone.

The depth and variety of the perspectives and life experiences captured in the reflections we’ve received is breathtaking. You have been so generous in opening your lives and sharing with the community your treasures of joy, faith, courage and hope. The many different voices and lived experiences of God highlight how much we have in common and help us see that we are one.

Our deep gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has shared and, to each of you that will contribute a reflection in the future! It is such a joy to receive a reflection and read it; each is a unique work of spiritual art. Not only do the reflections become part of the fabric of the Wheaton Franciscan Community, but they touch others outside our community through our presence on the web. Like the boy in the Gospel who shares his loaves and fishes, you have shared your encounters with God, feeding the soul of our community. While it may seem intimidating, sharing a bit of ourselves it is also liberating and affirming. Every person we’ve talked to has been glad they shared.

Looking forward, we hope to hear from others who maybe have not yet submitted a reflection. Your submittals are welcomed with open arms. Send us what you have, or contact any of us with an idea and we will be happy to help you develop your ideas into a reflection. Just share. Share the simple. Share how creation has affected your life. Share what you see as holy in your life so that we may see the holy in our lives.

We hope that reading the reflections shared by our sisters and brothers in Weavings over these last five years has helped you see the movement of the Spirit in our community in the shared experiences of encounters with God. Choosing to belong to a community like the Wheaton Franciscans means allowing your life to become yet another thread in the tapestry of faith that began with Mother Clara. Too often, we miss the beauty of what God is creating because we are too close to see it or too busy to notice. Weavings encourages us to pause and reflect, both as contributors and as readers; to practice hearing the small, still voice of God.

Thank you for your support over the last five years! We look forward to continuing to learn to see God together!