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Dear Friends,
Nights begin to turn chilly, dark comes so astonishingly much earlier, the high summer vegetable plants turn in on themselves, graying and yellowing, their duty done. First hints of color in the leaves, crickets’ song always in the background - it’s here, the gradual slowing down of the exuberance of summer, the preparation for earth’s quiet season, for earth’s rest.
Because winter is hard for me, I am already beginning my psychological self-preparation to enter that season turning into the still cold days with an attitude of gratitude and celebration of all that God’s creation offers, even when it is perhaps not what I would choose for myself.
Today someone gave me a stack of “angel cards” from which to select one. I chose “Retreat,” and this is what Retreat said: Spend some time in quiet thought. Clear your mind and focus on truth and priorities. Are you pushing yourself too hard, beloved child of God? The angels remind us that rest is a natural cycle in every living thing. Think of the mighty oak tree that grows in spurts and then rests. It draws its nourishment from deep within the earth, and takes its time before growing upward again. As for the oak tree, it’s important for you to nourish yourself with spiritual and emotional ‘food.’ Listen for God’s wisdom. You will know that it is true Divine guidance, not just your imagination or wishful thinking, if it speaks of your desire to make a difference in the world.”
Hmmmm, I said to myself. Now I am not usually getting my direction from angel cards any more than from my horoscope, but I also know that God speaks to us in many ways, and I guess it would be silly not to pay attention to helpful insights regardless of where they come from. It seems good to walk towards winter embracing its stillness as an opportunity to turn inward and listen as God speaks in our hearts.
The gospel according to Mark records Jesus ending the parable of the sower with the words, “Let anyone with ears to hear, listen!” Celeste Rosetto Dickey creates this Prayer for Listening:
My Creator, my desire is for my spirit to hear your spirit.
I pray for listening ears, eyes, heart, mind, and soul.
Throughout each day, help me to listen to the sacred around me,
To rest in your calm, and to move in your urging.
Remind me that you are always near,
That your overwhelming love for me and for all your creation
Provides the true meaning for what this life is about.
As your love fills my being, I pray for courage to share that love with others.
My soul is comforted and healed by your grace.
Help me to remember to listen.
[Alive Now, March April ‘97]
May we all be led towards the inward-turning season graced by the capacity to still our hearts and listen to Spirit.

Anita

SpringFest

On Sunday, August 24th, the Superintendent of SAD 17 joined us for worship to receive the $1000 raised by the community festival to benefit area homeless teens.