May this find you well and with two feet planted firmly in fall! It is here, as we honored the Equinox–the Pagan feast day of Mabon–at the turn of the week. Monday’s sunset marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, too, the Jewish new year. To those who celebrate- I am wishing you L’shana tova… may it be sweet!
We need sweetness in life. Human-ing is no walk in the park. As a Minister, I am reminded every day of the things we humans carry in our hearts. Yes, it’s the news and the horrors of living under the current administration as well as the violence unfolding across our globe. But I am reminded, too, of the oft quoted line (attributed to many, who knows who said it first!) “be kind, for everyone you meet is facing their own silent battle.” Some of your silent battles I am aware of and hold confidentially and with care. Others I don’t know the details of, but am sure they are there. We all have them… grief, family conflict, overwhelming schedules, cancer, surgeries, struggling kids, money problems, work drama, sick friends, identity questions, and the list goes on…
Lately, I have been noticing people in all different parts of my life being hard on each other–quick to judge, to criticize, to defend, to blame, to get agitated. I notice myself falling into this way of being sometimes, too. Of course we are! This week I am trying to keep the reminder–everyone I meet is fighting their own battle I cannot see–at the front of my mind. It’s helping me to stay soft and gives me a microsecond to center before I react. It doesn’t fix all that is broken, of course. But it helps me to keep Love at the center of my interactions… especially when I’m not feeling particularly loving.
Spending time at Senator Susan Collins’ office doesn’t bring out the most loving in me, but that’s where I’ll be this morning from 10:30-11:30. The Portland Clergy Group along with Multifaith Justice Maine will gather in vigil outside of Collins’ Portland office, joining in prayer, song, and witness as we urge Sen. Collins to make changes to the proposed budget that will preserve access to healthcare and pull funding back from ICE. Please join us if you’re available with signs and an open heart.
On Sunday, your Worship Committee will lead the service and reflect on how they are thinking about hope in these times. Something most of us could use a good dose of! I will be traveling but wish you a wonderful Sunday of worship and connection and look forward to seeing you in the week to come.
Until then, be gentle with each other. For we need one another more than ever.