From Rev. Susan
Choosing to Live Generously
“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” - Pablo Neruda
There is so much about the times we are living in that make me want to shrink back and hide. I often find myself on a bit of an emotional roller coaster – moving between days when the warmth of the sun lifts my spirit and I feel rooted, clear headed, and ready for the day and what may come. There are other days when I feel despair and fear. As April arrives, and Spring begins to show the signs of its abundance of colors and birds, of life and beauty, I am thinking about how to keep my spirit oriented to generosity, and oriented to hope.
Rebecca Solnit writes, “Every minute of every hour of every day you are making the world, just as you are making yourself, and you might as well do it with generosity and kindness and style.” Her words remind me that it is important we don’t believe all is lost. Doing so is another way of conceding in advance. Each day, we do make the world, with how we show up to our friends, our neighbors, and strangers in our communities. When we bring generosity of spirit, of care, of kindness, of hope and commitment we make a difference, not just in the lives of others but in our own life. It’s another way we keep being an affirming flame for love and justice, human rights and democracy in our communities.
It is another way that we help “Love Bloom Here” in our congregation and in our own lives. It is a radical act, in the midst of dangerous times, to continue showing up with your heart and your hope. It is also a way of inspiring it in others.
