![]() Our December forest church gathering found us along the banks of Laurel Creek in the twilight hour, as snow softly fell. We reflected together on the fading light and darkness gathering around us. These words went with us into our wandering & wondering time, and when we returned, we lit candles together and shared our reflections. It is in the darkness that we are able to see the stars, and it is bright light that creates shadows. Light and darkness are incomplete without each other, and either one on its own renders us blind. Benedictine monk Bede Griffiths, said, “God is not simply in the light, in the intelligible world, in the rational order. God is in the darkness, in the womb… in the chaos from which order comes… darkness is the womb of life.” It is no accident that we mark the start of the new church year with Advent, just as we plunge into the darkness of December here in the northern hemisphere. We begin the church year in darkness, with reflection, honouring that it is in darkness that seeds germinate, in darkness we learn to trust God, in darkness we rest, so that we are strengthened for the work that comes with daylight. “In the light of day, the Holy One shows me love. When night settles in and all is dark, God keeps me company-- with a soothing song, a prayerful melody to the God of my life.”
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Maybe what we need isn't self-care.
Maybe what we truly need is grounding, connection, and entanglement with all that is. We are not created for independence or self-reliance. Maybe we need to open our being to the gift of life around us, and remember we are not alone. We are light and love from others and for others, our souls nourished by touch, reaching out in need, receiving the goodness of ordinary beauty seeping through the cracks. Celebrate the sun shining on your face, water wetting your lips, gravity hugging you close to the earth, air filling your lungs, honey sweetening your tongue, birds cheering your spirit, nighttime welcoming your rest, friends and family surrounding you, the Divine Presence renewing and enlivening your spirit. -Wendy Janzen |
AuthorReflections, poetry, prayers, photos, and resources written by Wendy Janzen unless otherwise noted. Archives
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