Don’t Be Afraid. My love is stronger,
my love is stronger than your fear.
Don’t be afraid. My love is stronger and
I have promised, promised to be always near.
This is a hymn from the Iona Community that I often turn to in times of uncertainty. It has been swirling in my head for the last few days. What has been swirling in your head? I like to plan and realize that we can prepare for some things, yet there are things beyond our control. I invite us to take a collective breath and take some moments of stillness so that we can discern the difference. Let’s take time for some soul work.
Some of us had planned to gather yesterday for some of this soul work. Our souls are thirsty right now. Many of us are thirsty for answers. We may be thirsty for certainty. We can choose to drink from the well of fear, the well of the unknown. What helps you alleviate a sense of helplessness? Do you feel that you are drowning in news overload? How can you access the living water like Jesus offers the woman at the well? While some of us thrive on busyness, I suggest that we also try some moments of stillness. This looks different for each of us. Some people may find a long walk that includes looking at the signs of spring helpful. Others may walk a labyrinth. Some may sing or write. Some of us may sew, knit, or paint. Others may pray or meditate.
Let’s take time to become grounded. On this St. Patrick’s Day, let’s find ways to feel loving presence in our lives. Perhaps we can taste that living water. To honour Celtic spirituality, I close with this blessing:
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
deep peace of the flowing air to you,
deep Peace of the quiet earth to you,
deep peace of the shining stars to you,
deep peace of the Son of peace to you.
Meet you on the path,
Janet