April 29, 2020: Musings as We Leave this Strange April

Whenever Eric runs a quick (and protected) errand to the pharmacy or grocery, he comes back and says It’s so strange out there. I haven’t been far from my house and it’s easy for me to see, on our 26-acre property that spring 2020 did not get the memo about hiding, stopping, or wearing a mask. She has revealed herself in the usual glorious unfolding, and the difference is that many of us have the time and the inclination to watch more closely.

We have a hidden clearing in our woods where, always on May 1st, an array of irises bloom each year. They aren’t your typical irises, though. They are dwarf irises, tiny but complete. I always think of them as the kids of the grown-up irises that grow elsewhere.

We’ve owned our farm for almost 15 years, but I’ve missed the bloom numerous times. I may have been traveling, or, like last year, unable to hike into the woods to find them because I was having a hip replacement May 1st. But other times I was just too busy.

It seems to me completely incredible that I could have been too busy! But there you have it. And yet, I know the irises were still blooming even with no appreciative onlooker. I think our faith is like this. Whether you believe in the God of your understanding; the goodness of your fellow humans; or just the inevitable unfolding of time in eternity, you must not miss being surprised by the gifts of this Universe. I love seeing Lillie and Alice popping in and out of our Zoom services. I treasure the little piece of art Sandy sent me with some homemade masks. I’ve received some emails and notes from you that are precious to me.

I hope (and intend) that when I return in the flesh (no I am not Jesus), I can express more adequately how grateful I am to work and play with you, and I encourage you to take a moment each day to express your gratitude for the little surprises of life and our faith community that may be hidden from us in our busyness but revealed in the spaciousness that is now our reality.

I’m not able to make as many calls as I’d like to. But please text me or email me if you need to talk and we shall set something up. For other needs, remember that our Pastoral Care team is still active and will be available as they are able with restrictions in place.

And, finally, I am so grateful to GNUUC for acting quickly to ensure that our Staff will continue to be compensated as we work for you from a distance. Please know that maintaining or increasing your pledge now will ensure that our physical plant and your sanctuary of place and faces shall be there for you, as soon as it is safe!

Love and gratitude to all,

Cynthia