…This week is our reminder that though no human being is perfect, we always have the chance to bring what’s unique about us to live (this day) in a redeeming way. To quite literally, care. What does it mean to welcome this truth about ourselves? Or, maybe more important, why is it that we too easily forget? I remember a conversation I once had about this with the sheep… “I let my spirit get on edge,” I tell them. “There’s so much to do, my world is hungry for people to step up and embrace becoming bigger and better, including the discomfort that accompanies it, even if we don’t fully understand it yet. To give our hearts to creating a world, even if that is the small world around us; where sanctuary is real, where bigotry and hatred stop. A world that embraces the human, vulnerable, broken, passionate and redemptive self of anyone who crosses our path.” “Did you practice that speech?” their look tells me. “That was pretty good. So, why are you still on edge?” I smile. “You got any advice? “Stay emotionally and spiritually hydrated.” “Fair enough.” “And, a little joy and laughter wouldn’t hurt. You know it’s the superpower of resilience, and it’ll boost your immunity. Just because the world is overwhelmed, doesn’t mean you have to be. We need the light you spill.” This makes me laugh. “This is why I like talking with you all.” As I’m walking away, I hear one of the little ones say, “And don’t forget, more love and more stories wouldn’t hurt either.”   Nobody else can make the sound you make. So… what sustains and replenishes you? Care of any kind (making a difference, spilling light)—compassion, generosity, communication, reconciliation, service, ministry, teaching, giving—begins with and is nourished by self-care. Or in the words of Charlie Parker, “If it ain’t in you it can’t come out of your horn.” Care begins with the power of pause. Care begins with the intentional choices we make about being present. About passion, grace, play, laughter and wholeheartedness. If we practice this power of pause, it spills into our relationships. And our work. And our music… — Opening reflection excerpted from Terry Hershey’s Sabbath Moment – June 24, 2022

Explosion of color and joy!

Photos by Nancy L