A New Season is Coming

Minister’s Musings

Dear UU Shenandoah,
 
Do you know the names of the moons? Recently, I learned that March’s full moon is sometimes called the “Worm Moon” or the “Storm Moon.” This time of year, sap is rising, worms are wiggling, beetles are emerging from their wintery tree-bark beds, and Earth is defrosting from her winter slumber. Can you feel it?

At UU Shenandoah, we are waking up and readying ourselves for Spring, too. This coming Sunday, we will plant seeds for a new Mission & Vision Statement. We will look back with love on the original, carefully crafted by the leaders of that time. Then we will dig deep to reflect on who we are now and what words might best carry us forward.
 
As we move towards the Ides of March and the Spring Equinox (and let us not forget: Daylight Savings Time!), may we cherish these final weeks of winter. Yes, it snowed - again - which may not be welcome when we are itching for Spring sun. Yet, Earth needs and appreciates the snow’s moisture, which yields the beauty of Spring. While sunnier days summon us outdoors, running towards Spring, let us also appreciate the lingering cold as Winter waves her final goodbye.

Amidst these natural cycles, I am exhausted yet driven to mention that our nation is once again at war. The horror and grief of late have been magnificent. Amidst this, may we remember that it is a powerful thing to remember what is beautiful during a time of war. While we grieve and rage over the conflict in the Middle East, unjustly happening in our name, may we lean into beauty as a form of resistance. I often call upon the words of Joy Harjo to strengthen me during times like these:
 

from "Reconciliation, A Prayer," by Joy Harjo
 
Oh sun, moon, stars... Keep us from giving up in this land of nightmares which is also the land of miracles.
 
We sing our song which we've been promised has no beginning or end.
 
All acts of kindness are lights in the war for justice.

Earlier this week, during the Full Moon Gathering for UU Ministry for Earth, a participant shared that the moon's changing phases reminds her that for every thing, there is a season. A new moon is coming, a new season is coming, and all that exists today will eventually pass away and become something new. In this, may we find hope that the season of war, too, will pass—that if we persistently plant seeds of hope and water them with love, they will someday bloom into a garden beyond our wildest dreams.

With love, and holding on for that future that we dream of,
Rev. Lauren