Each month we receive a packet of prompts and suggestions from Soul Matters about the monthly spiritual theme. This month’s spiritual theme is renewal, and the packet is loaded with questions!
Here’s my favorite, which is inspired by Maya Angelou’s book Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now: If one were to propose that you make room for a day in which you produce nothing, don’t check a single thing off your to-do list, confront no problems and search for no solutions, what would your first reaction be?
As I look forward to a time of sabbatical, a time of renewal, I am hoping for a day such as this, maybe even a few! And I know that the biggest barrier to having a day like this won’t likely be anyone else — it will be me, my busy mind and long to-do list. I know it will take weeks before I am ready to quiet down, and I am so very grateful for a break long enough for that to happen. I am curious what will be present when my monkey mind quiets for a length of time and there is space for something else to arise.
As the Sabbatical Committee has been saying for months, a minister’s sabbatical is also a time for congregational renewal, and I wish renewal for you as well. I know many of you are busy with important work and that there is a lot to do in this hurting world. And you need rest and renewal, too. There will always be work to do and we need to be whole to do it.
So, for these next months, I offer you this blessing:
May you make space for reflection, and may you be curious about what emerges.
May you embrace the questions that arise and be patient about answers.
May you be courageously open to discovering new ways of doing things.
May your hearts and hands be open to new gifts that are offered and are needed.
May you take time to rest and offer rest to others.
May your body, mind and spirit be renewed.
Blessings to you these next months.
See you in November.
Rev. Mary
