Nov. 23, 2022

“...all life is a gift…”

–Bruce Findlow, For All This Is Our Life (#128)

Happy Almost-Holidays, Dear Ones!

I am still buzzing slightly from the good time we had on Sunday, celebrating our first-ever (but definitely not last, I hope) Homecoming Sunday. The sanctuary was full, the tables in the Social Area were crowded, and the food was tasty and plentiful. Can’t wait for next year.

Today, I imagine most of us are looking forward to tomorrow and the remainder of the holiday weekend: planning, provisioning (whether for tomorrow’s feast or the winter holidays and gift exchanges to come), and (I hope) pausing just to be, to notice whatever is arising within us in this busy season. 

I bet you were expecting me to write about gratitude right here. Me, too! But I suspect none of us needs another “assignment” right now. Just being and noticing is enough. Earlier this week, I was surprised by the joy that rose up in response to a Costco run. So many people, so many opportunities to avoid collisions and practice patience and chit chat with strangers! Three years ago, I would not have been delighted to shop at a store so busy that customers had to scour the parking lot to find a cart, so my feelings on the drive home were quite unexpected, but quite lovely. What is arising in your emotional field these days? Even if it isn’t lovely (and it won’t all be lovely, for any of us), can you notice and accept it? I’m pretty sure gratitude will follow eventually, and you won’t even have to make it a project. 

Yours in faith and all the feels and, yes, also in gratitude,

Rev. Denise

Rev. Denise Gyauch
Minister, Greater Nashville UU Congregation
RevDenise@gnuuc.org