By Wendy Morical
I have just returned from a wedding celebration in the redwoods of Northern California. Being with my brother and sister and their families to celebrate the first wedding of our children’s generation was – as many of you have experienced – a loving, life-affirming occasion. With my blog due on Monday, I mused about how to try and capture the joy of familial acceptance, connecting with the Good Enough theme from the book study last winter.
Walking in the redwood forest near the venue was a spectacular experience. The small number of people I was with found our voices automatically dropping to a hush as the forest drew us in. Contemplating time, nature and my smallness sparked an interest in trying to glean some shareable thoughts on divinity at work in all places. Some of my fellow Pilgrim bloggers have tackled this topic admirably in earlier posts: God is so present in nature.
Of course, travel to a remote location like Humboldt County takes a great effort and much time was spent in airports. As reported in the news, air travel is pushed to its capacity these days. We have never seen the airport in Denver so clotted with people. Every food outlet had long lines. The grumpy travelers waiting for alternative flights created the longest, most impatient line of all. This stressful and chaotic location offered me an option to practice a loving-kindness meditation, learned at Pilgrim from a wise teacher. I regarded each person near me and said, internally, “May you be safe,” “May you be joyful,” “May you find peace,” extending silent wishes of loving kindness. The effect of this practice on your own sense of well-being is transformative. I contemplated sharing this experience with you, the Pilgrim blog readers.
One of the books I took to read during the airport waiting time was from Jessie Nelson’s collection. Her life of learning and reflecting inspires me to make more time for contemplation. She left so many books for us to read and pass on! I had chosen one that I felt could inspire my blogging and took energy from her prior ownership – and her markings in the book. My notes for a future post have joined hers.
When our blog was proposed in the Covid days, I assumed it would be turned over to a “real” spiritual leader when we had emerged from the dark times. Instead, it has grown to include even more voices from our congregation. Like me, the writers are all making time to reflect on life events or thoughts, then trying to translate them for others’ benefit. This is powerful. Knowing that I am called upon to write deepens my awareness of beauty in my life. Reading others’ words draws us closer together.
When we become members of this church family, we pledge to support one another on our individual faith journeys. Many thanks to those whose words in this forum have helped me to understand your faithful lives and think in new ways.
Many thanks to you for reading my words and caring about my life’s journey.