I have been intentionally and faithfully reflecting on the #UULent daily word. I’m really enjoying how this practice encourages me to take some quiet time for myself in the morning and then carry it with me throughout the day. Most days, I post my reflections on social media, although I’ll admit to missing a few nights due to late night work and studying instead! I thought I’d share here a few of my reflections for those folks not on social media. And, I encourage you to engage in this practice, too. It’s ok if you haven’t started yet!

I’ve really enjoyed seeing the reflections from others of you on our Facebook page- keep it up! If you’re not on social media, consider keeping a journal. I’d love to do a Wednesday night vespers service at which we share our reflections and the revelations of your spiritual practice.

Day 1: prayer. “I want to run wild. I want to run free. I want to move like the stars are a part of me.” (Lyrics credited to the amazing women of Valkyrik) And indeed, they are. The stars (the ashes!) are a part of us all. Starstuff is all we are. And the chaotic forces that exist in them, also exist in us. If we are, as Carl Sagan said, “a way for the universe to know itself”, then perhaps it is up to us to sort out the chaotic forces and not let them be used for evil. It is my prayer that we may connect our beginnings to our ends, that we may- in knowing ourselves- find a way to a spiritual transcendence that illuminates a loving brilliance in the chaotic death of the stars. It is my prayer that humanity wakes up to this beautiful reality and ceases to oppress any life, any individual that exists- each of us born from the same mother stars, all who died so we could exist. We should all be able to run wild and free before we return to stardust once again. #UULent #prayer #ashwednesday #youcamefromstardustyouwillreturntostardust

Day 5: sanctuary. This is the sanctuary I grew up in (First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, IL). It always felt safe and inviting and even when I returned to visit it 20 some years later, I could hear the message I learned as a child: God is Love. No matter how you do or don’t define God, LOVE exists through, in, by, and for the mystery of life. I still find it moving strongly within my beloved UUCL church community today. Unconditional Love is the sanctuary we all need. #UULent #sanctuary

Day 7: dust. From stardust to rock to soil- a living ecosystem. And my favorite part of this miracle is, I can plant a tiny seed, water it, and help it grow. I don’t know what this seed will become. It’s a mystery seed from our worship service last month, “Planting the Seeds of Curiosity” that Toya Wofford gifted to us. #UULent #dust