“We are biologically, cognitively, physically and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.”
I’m curious to know: What have you discovered this summer? (Feel free to email or tell me when I see you.) One of my summer discoveries? It is absolutely impossible to hold a wriggling puppy without laughing.
That’s not rocket science, but it IS helpful to remember and experience whatever it is that makes us smile, laugh and be grateful and amazed by life, especially in tumultuous and concerning times. Many thanks to our summer worship leaders and behind-the-scenes supporters who kept us smiling and grateful and amazed this summer. Thanks also to everyone who has kept other things running at North Parish this summer- moving forward on the building project, interviewing job candidates, planning various programs and policies, keeping the gardens green, managing finances and rentals, joining mutual care efforts or supportive stand outs in the public square, organizing social or spiritual practice gatherings, helping us to host multiple memorial services, etc. It’s hard to believe (as always) that September is almost upon us.
As for me, in July I was able to enjoy a change of scene and spend a week in New Hampshire, another week on the Maine coast, and take a short trip to visit my son at his job in the Adirondack mountains of New York. Whether you were able to take time off or enjoy long summer weekends or had to work straight through, I hope you’ve all at least had some time to breathe. For those sending kids off to school or college, I know that life can feel like a train barreling down the tracks during these end-of-August/early September weeks. May we soak up peaceful moments on every day possible!
This month at North Parish I’ve been working on the usual August activities of planning and personnel. We have some new staff members joining us so I hope you’ll read about them elsewhere in the Enews and welcome them to the fold. Perhaps you have a neighbor or a friend whom you’d also like to welcome to the fold. Invite them to join us in September- especially when we host the President of the national Unitarian Universalist Association on Sept. 14th.
The puppies pictured above do not belong to me; they were born on my friend’s farm in VT. They were handfuls of pure wiggle, softness and sharp claws and eager to discover the world. I’m looking forward to discovering new things about you and with you all this upcoming year.
Yours at the Meeting House, Rev. Lee