31 Dec, 2011
Today, everything changes. You look in the mirror tonight, and tomorrow, you will see a different person– someone who has heard the the voice of highest truth whispering to remind you of the incredible person you are. You listen, and you settle your bones firmly upon the earth to tread the path before you with refreshed vigor. Like the ethereal ideals lifting your sight upward, you are remade– born from above, as the famous passage from John’s gospel that gives us the cultural “born again” is translated literally. You are new in a way that is above the old. Born from above.
OK– everything doesn’t change with the calendar. But it is worthwhile that this holiday reminds us of the newness around us always. It reminds us to examine ourselves. In that assessment, we can rediscover the things that matter to us most: our relationships, our talents, our health, the ground of our being.
In this time of redirection and renewal, how does our knowledge of climate change affect who we are? How does it affect our responsibilities to our neighbors? Now that our ears are open, can we hear the pain of those already suffering from climate change?
The work ahead of us is not easy, but today, we are new. We have new strength. We have new vision. We have fresh hearts and capable hands. Let’s put them to work.
As you might have guessed from the picture above, I spent the day at the beach on Tybee Island. The water was too cold for most, but it was a rare treat for this cross country cycling surfer. The little waves were just big enough to bodysurf. I find that water has the rare ability to renew my entire being. Baptism makes sense to me. Christian orthodoxy emphasizes the value of a single baptism. For me, water’s spiritual renewal is welcome an infinite number of times. It is less about atonement and more about being at one with the interconnected web of being in which we participate. If that takes a dip, a surf, bread and wine, service, silence, or a good song to renew in us, then I say dive in! You’re going to need it.
Until we meet again
More renewed in body, soul, and mind
Than we thought possible
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
