“Here we are, together- bearers of imagination, creators of new worlds. It is our imagination that lifts us beyond despair, that whispers “What if” and dares us to answer.”
What have you imagined lately?
In this new month of May, a few of our small groups are being invited to consider the practice of imagining as a spiritual practice and as a communal religious practice. When you reflect on it, much of what we do at North Parish is to imagine ourselves, our community, our values and our faith into the future- even into a future that we might not get to see ourselves. That’s how much we care!
The Rev. Michelle Collins suggests that “It is our imagination that lifts us beyond despair, that whispers ‘What if’ and dares us to answer.” These days, I’ve noticed my imagination taking me to some not-so-nice places as I consider some of the immoral and unconstitutional actions taken by the government and wonder what will come next. It turns out that “What if?” is also anxiety’s favorite question! Anxiety will happily fill in the blank anytime we wonder “What if…?” But what if we can simply notice that voice in our heads and then re-direct that energy and imagination towards embodying the future we hope and pray for, even in the very smallest of ways?
We’ll practice imagining a kinder world as a community this month, but here are a few of the small group questions to ponder as individuals:
- In your early adult life, who most helped you imagine possibilities of what you could become?
- If you could change the way a friend or family member imagines themselves or the world, who would it be, and how would you change their imaginings?
- What’s the most radical thing you can imagine doing before you die?
- Do any of your answers inspire you to take some small action or have a small conversation?
This Sunday we will celebrate new members, take a few more steps in preparing our children and youth for their futures, and use our imaginations to keep bringing about “what could be”.
Hope to see you at the Meeting House!
Rev. Lee