Reflections from Our Directors
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.
Devotion
Rooted to the earth, flexible in the wind, reaching for the sky, and, seemingly empty, the trees are stable companions who give witness to the sacred promise of new life.
Where are YOU in the Sacred Stories of Advent?
I unpacked the manger set from my childhood and imagined myself into the scene again – but now the rich metaphors of the annunciation, nativity and epiphany unveiled truths of my own life.
The Breath of the Spirit and Gratitude
This time of the year offers us an opportunity to reflect, remember and reassess many aspects of our life.