I’m a life-long UU, which means that those of you who have actually gone through a more formal discernment process of becoming/ identifying as a UU are likely far ahead of me…as the need to leave my childhood UUism and go to “something else” never dawned on me.
To borrow from Rev. Tim Temerson’s classic article “A River or a Rock”, I have found that the religious truth of UUism resembles a river of “continuous and ongoing revelation, interpretation, and conversation—a river that … is always emerging, always unfolding, always carrying us along a marvelous journey of discovery and exploration.” So why change if, well, the journey constantly invites us to grow?
I was in awe of all of you who became new members a couple of Sundays ago, and other folks who were here just exploring. It was meaningful to chat after the service and hear about your paths and questions. New member Julie told me that when she comes to UUCP, she feels that she can just EXHALE!
Yeah, I get that. Exhale. Regroup. Think about where I’ve been putting my ATTENTION—that precious and finite commodity. Yes, be present to the levels of kindness, truth, ignorance, fear, vitriol, courage, lethargy, apathy, compassion surrounding us…but in a way where I can box it into a package of meaning and action that is not overwhelming.
So far, I’m doing mostly “OK” (maybe a B/ B-) with a weekly personal spiritual practice where I consciously set aside time to contact legislators, write letters, consume evidenced-based journalism, go to Legislative District meetings, just for starters. I find that if I call it a “spiritual practice”, I will be more apt to do it, more cognizant and in control of the energy these efforts draw from me, making sure that they are drawing from a center of commitment, values, theological imperative and covenant with the world.
AND, not allow the constant soul-sucking demand for my finite attention that draws me away from activities I find to be more restful and joyful.
Blessings to you. May you pay attention to what you are paying attention to.
In beloved community, Jan Kaplan
Editor’s Note:
Our regularly scheduled column, Notes From Your Dance Partner, will be on pause during Reverend Christine’s sabbatical. In its place, we’re excited to have a series of guest speakers who will be sharing their experiences at UUCP. NFYDP will return in August.