How We Move Forward In Wild Times
and a few notes at the end….

These days I’m listening to inspirational music. As I begin writing this, I’m listening to Emma’s Revolution’s sing “Keep On Moving Forward”.

I don’t know about you, but my anxiety is with me a lot of the time. I can’t seem to escape the news. I commented a few days ago that I really liked it when I didn’t know every single thought that the President had, when days would pass when I wasn’t wondering what the next disaster was going to be. I’m working on staying away from social media, but it’s challenging for me. I hope you’re finding ways to move through the noise and trouble that’s happening all around.

A week or two ago in one of the online groups I am a part of, a colleague noted a few of the day’s national events and wondered about throwing out her sermon for that Sunday in order to comment upon it. It helped me be clear about how I’m approaching our worship life these days. There is no shortage of commentary and analysis out there for anyone who wants it. I subscribe to and read a number of Substack commentators who help me have perspective and hope, and continue to check in with the Washington Post every day.

But when I think about what I want to bring to us all on Sunday mornings isn’t commentary or political opinions. It’s nourishment for the journey. That’s not to say that I won’t comment on events, but that the focus – the intention – is to create a sense of sanctuary where we can reconnect with what we love, what moves us to act in the world, the blessings that we have, as well as a place where our tender hearts and spirits find some care and peace.

There is something about breathing together, con-spiring over a hour. There’s something about singing together, even if you just hum or listen to the words your neighbor sings. There’s an energy in the stillness of shared silence. There’s a comfort in the touch of a friend’s hand or a hug. Remember, too, that I have a commitment to laughing every Sunday. So, keep coming. Let’s support each other, care for each other as we move through these challenging times.

A couple of notes….

– if you wondered where I was last Sunday, I was isolating after being exposed to COVID, and erring on the side of caution. Announcing that got lost in the shuffle.

– Peter and I are escaping the Northwest for warmer places from February 15 to 25. Take care of each other while we’re gone.