As we step forward into a new year, usually it is marked with some kind of renewed energy and an intentional awareness to see the goodness and brightness of a new beginning no matter what the previous year held. A shared feeling of hope and possibly even excitement keeps us reaching for the light especially after nature's long and dark winter solstice.
Unfortunately this year for me is feeling very different. Watching tragedy after tragedy unfold around the globe like fires and wars and continual scenarios of suffering and distress, my sense of inner calm is certainly being tested. The older I become, the more my heart aches for those in need. The depth of woundedness is pervasive. I offer help in ways that are possible but never feel like it is enough. I lament.
As I watch our nation fall under the "leadership" of a vengeful, narcissistic, and disrespectful person, I reel in disbelief, and I certainly lament. His behavior and the actions of his co-conspirators are deplorable. However, I know full well we can only control our own individual responses to circumstances and never those of others. Very often I need to be reminded of that.
I am barely processing this election situation and its fallout which will be a new and scary reality. For those individuals who are hurt, scared, and don't feel worthy of love, I see you and am sorry. In my opinion, I think we can all agree there is SO much healing to be done on SO many levels of everyday circumstances. Let's lean into listening more closely to those around us even when the conversations might make us feel a bit uncomfortable for the sake of compassion and understanding.
I continue to pray for hope and peace daily because God is in charge no matter what. Will you join me?
In the beautiful words of one of my favorite poets, John O' Donohue, he writes in his Benedictus:A book of Blessings
"May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Clear in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love."
I think this little prayer says it all.
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