My friends – all you who are members and friends of the UUFC – I’m thinking of you today. This is not a special day, not a holiday, but I’m thinking of you. Because you, like me, are alive in this world, and there are so many challenges in this living. There is beauty, and love and insight and compassion. And there are so many challenges.
I’m reflecting on things I learned at the UUA General Assembly, and on the old understandings of the 4th of July which are outdated, and on the fact of how much danger some people are in from war, and politics, and other people. And on the facts of climate change and the chaos and the realities of how the changes are affecting us all.
In the summer months, I always try to spend more time in reflection – on the state of the world, on the state of the congregation, on the state of my energies, and on the needs among us that we call ministry. I am greatly buoyed at the moment by the upwelling of new and needed relationships, ideas, and goals within the Fellowship. I am heartened by movements within our UUA – toward more inclusiveness, and more acknowledgement of inequality. I am inspired by visions of a future which build on the past, but keep us moving forward.
In these summer months I invite you to reflect as well. Reflect on how you are related to the Fellowship – to people and programs and visions. Reflect on where you are uncomfortable – which may be just where you are ready to learn more. Reflect on how you can add to the store of wisdom and compassion and strength among us. And most of all – keep coming, keep connecting, keep meeting people, and keep learning. This committed community which we share is a precious resource, which depends upon, and helps, all of us. Jill
