I've been reminiscing about what it was like this time last year as I imagined what I would say to you as your new Senior Minister. I was having conversations with you long before we became official! I recall one of the first things I shared was that "We may not know it yet, but we already love one another." I know this to be true.
How wonderful it is to simply claim the experience we anticipate, want, or desire in advance! Together we declared an expectancy of Love. And why wouldn't we? The mind, after all, will search for the evidence of what it expects to find. It's simply the way things work! So, we practice holding positive expectations.
I am so grateful to the Board and Staff who have encouraged me to take the time to fully heal, so I could return to you rejuvenated! It has given me the time to pause and deeply contemplate the "what next" of this ministry. If I may “tell on myself”, I was not all that welcoming of this time to pause in this way! My, how Spirit orchestrates things perfectly! Because of this, we get to lean in and welcome my predecessors as the wise Voice of Spirit speaks through Reverends Elizabeth and Paula over the next few weeks.
I've been imagining the conversations Spirit has in store for us. It’s a mighty vision of what is seeking to emerge next. Everything that has ever happened in this community, all we have experienced together, has prepared us for this moment. I sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm as I contemplate returning to our conversations in July.
I continue to hold the expectancy of Love among us.
Please join me in this joyful expectancy of Love. Take note of all the ways you notice the evidence of the power of Love and how it is happening everywhere right now.
Please pause with me now. Take a good, deep, heart-centering breath. Listen and allow the Voice for Love to speak with you now. It’s okay to take a moment to do this throughout your day.
Wise Ones among us now have encouraged me to take this pause. Our Board President, Christopher Naughton, said something like this: If you must push or make something happen, make it about self-care, self-love. He went so far as to say, “let this be Love René month”. Others encouraged the same. What a gift this has been!
I now wish to share this gift with you.
What if you dedicate the remainder of this month to "Loving You"?
Say: “This month is Love (your name) Month”.
Notice what this feels like for you.
Write “get well” cards to yourself that are encouraging and remind you of your innate wholeness and worthiness. Send yourself flowers or something that reminds you of how special you are to you! Listen for the Voice of Love that gently corrects other voices that may linger in your mind. Say how much you love and appreciate you, just as you are right now! Marvel at the strides you have made in life!
Populate your day with the things that bring you joy.
Surrender into just being present. It’s okay to do nothing for a bit. In fact, it’s necessary.
Pause with me now.
Take a breath.
Connect in heart and mind with All That Is.
Say: “I Accept the Love of God” with each inhalation and exhalation.
Contemplate: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4
May you abide this day in the consciousness of Love.
I Love You,
Reverend René