Dear Friends
These are challenging days, and we’ve only begun our journey into the Covid-19 crisis. As difficult as it is to let go of so many important and meaningful activities, we are considering the necessary curtailing of activities and appointments, trips and commitments as a time of Sabbath. Sabbath well lived invites us, and provides space for us, to “not do” but rather “to be” quieter, less busy, more reflective….a blessing that we do not seem to allow ourselves in a time of ‘normalcy.’
One of the things that helps us all in these days of “social distancing” is to connect with others in whatever ways we can. We admire the people in Italy, each on their own balconies joining together in life-giving songs. We saw one woman in our country leading her neighbors, each in their own yards, in a Zumba exercise. In Jamaica Plain, Nadine has been gathering neighbors out the door for “porch” sing-a-longs. Others are joining together, each in their own homes, making masks and gowns for hospital workers. In addition to our Sunday conference call worship together and our Wednesday “Virtual Coffee Hour” call, we would like to offer these brief meditations as often as we can, as a way of sharing the fruits of our Sabbath time with all of you, as a way of connecting. In the spirit of our philosophy of co-creating community and our awareness that the Spirit speaks through each of us, we invite you to share your meditations with us as well. We truly believe that in God’s economy of abundance, when we share our blessings, our thoughts, our feelings, we are all made richer.
We hope and pray that you and your loved ones experience genuine peace of mind and heart, and remain in good health during this challenging time.
Loving blessings,
Jean & Ron
Meditation One: Walking the Labyrinth
As I (Ron) walked the labyrinth in our yard, I thought how similar to life, this maze-path is. Life, too, is filled with twists and turns. We are walking in one direction and then have to turn or double-back, not knowing where it will take us. Sometimes there are obstacles in our way—on my labyrinthine way: a fallen branch; in our lives right now, the coronavirus. As I wend my way along the path, I look up and see, on every side, the homes of neighbors, each in their own space, too, and I pray for them. As I attend to my own heart, I remember those I love and care for, in ever widening circles, including you, our dear Spirit of Life Family. My thoughts widen to immigrants at the border, dedicated hospital workers near and far, grocery/pharmacy/take-out restaurant workers/governmental leaders. And wider still to co-virus copers in China, Italy, Spain, Korea, Africa. On my labyrinthine path, I can take only one step at a time, in life only one day at a time. It is easy to wonder in fear what comes next. I am conscious of God saying, “Take My hand, I walk with you all. Hold on to Me and to each other and we will get through this together.” Amen.