“Discovering you were wrong is an update, not a failure, and your worldview is a living document meant to be revised.”
On Sunday I invited folks to turn and talk to one another, if they wished, about whether they are currently facing change, a disruption or a “lifequake” in their lives. We reflected on the possibility of tapping into curiosity when faced with uncertainty and change rather than seeking certainty from an authority figure, trying to influence things over which we have no control, or worrying. I suggested we can turn the tables on worry by asking worry’s favorite question- “What if…?”- from a position of curiosity instead of fear.
I invited folks to talk to each other about whether they were encouraged to be curious as children- in general and about religion. I suggested it might be time to hang out with some 6- and 7-year-olds or get back in touch with our own 7-year-old selves to flex our curiosity muscles about the future we might create. At North Parish, “awakening curiosity” is part of our mission statement. Those words are not part of the mission of many religious congregations!
As I was greeting folks after the service, one of you came through and told me that your curiosity burned down your parents’ house. I thought it was a joke. Nope. Apparently, as a 6-year-old, Fred was curious about whether Kleenex would burn, and if so, how quickly. So he ran an experiment and lit
some on fire. It turns out Kleenex does burn, and fast. After lighting the Kleenex on fire, he quickly dropped it onto a rug, the rug caught fire and then the one-level house. The bedrooms were destroyed. I asked how his parents reacted. All he said was “I survived.”
Sometimes all we can do is survive the experiments we run or that others impose on us. Right now, our democracy is trying to survive a very destructive experiment imposed on us by a few in high positions of power. The Voting Rights Act has been gutted and the Black Church is once again feeling the need to jump into the fray, since voting rights are a moral issue. Other groups are focused on registering 18-year-old voters. If this is the moral issue that gets your attention, you might be interested in the UUA effort called UU the Vote. If so, let me know. I’d also love to know if you are a poll worker in your town or city. Thanks to those who are.
This weekend brings us Ferry Beach, a Crossroads concert and Mothering Sunday. For all who nurture curiosity, connections, morality, and joy in tough times- blessings!
Rev. Lee