Reflections from Our Directors
A Simple Prayer Will Do
The shorter days also mean more darkness, and by the time January rolls around I am aware of the way less daylight affects me. Lower energy and a lower mood, which makes it difficult to do all the things I love to do or that are important to me, like praying.
Winter Wisdom Lights our Path: A Prayer from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Next week, on January 17, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day and remember the great leadership of another human “star” whose life models courage, perseverance and truth…whose words “light” our paths toward peace, justice and equality.
A Fresh Start to a New Year
Instead of a New Year’s resolution, choose a word for the year and reflect on it and utilize it as a guide for the year.
The In Between
There is beauty in the “in between”. The time when the sky is black, and stars begin to sparkle. When the ice begins to melt, and the waters open. The song of the bird and the sunlight fully illuminated.
The Great Forgetting
We are coming to some acceptance. He talks openly about not remembering things. I bring the photo album to look at past events, and in many cases, it’s all new to him. He feels the sadness that he’s not contributing anything. In his earlier years he was a minister and a strong social justice advocate. I am sad as I am losing the vibrant conversations and companionship of a dear man whom I love.
Advent Darkness
As I went for evening walks, I felt so grateful for the dark. I wondered about Jesus’ experience in the shadows of Mary’s womb. How amazing that life begins in darkness. I thanked God for the beauty, depth, and grace of winter evenings.
Welcoming the Darkness
For the past several years, the lead-in to the holidays has held more grief, which has brought with it an array of emotions that do not feel very “holiday-like.” Feelings like sadness, frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm.
Christmas Present (2021) and “Being Present”
Being Present means being focused and engaged in the here and now, not being distracted or emotionally or mentally absent. It means looking around you, wherever you are, and actually noticing what you see, hear, smell, sense, taste or touch.
A New Canvas
The season of Advent leading to Christmas comes with darkness. It can feel heavy with tender memories, unmet wants and dreams. It also comes like dawn. As the season progresses so do the colors and the light. Light that cannot be overcome. Light that comes to us as God incarnate in a child.