And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. — Anais Nin

As we journey through the theme of “Becoming” this month, let us consider how our becoming has been, and is, a consequence of taking risks.

Reflect on where you’ve been in your life and how all of that has culminated in what is now your whole self. As a spiritual exercise, write down the significant events and experiences of your life (or find pictures and make a collage!). Think about the touchstones in your life– the sacred texts, films, novels, poems, images, songs– that have inspired you. And, what are your 3 to 5 core values? (I think I see a small group ministry project coming to fruition!)

As you bring all of this together and reflect on who you are and how you’ve become, ask yourself about the risks involved in this becoming of you. How did you come to your decisions? Or perhaps, if life just offered you a sorrow that you didn’t choose, how did you decide to move forward? What values guided you? How did you feel after these significant moments in your life? Are there patterns or deeper issues involved? How did you reconcile with a loss of control (because risk always involves letting go of being in control)? How did you change (or did you?) Who did you become?

Now, put your whole self in the context of our church community. Who are you in this community and what do you bring to the table? How will you help us assess the risks we need to take to become a community that has an impact on the world?

If you are weary and just need a place to rest and nourish your soul, that too, is an acceptable place to be on the journey of your becoming. Our UUCL community is here to connect with you and to offer love.

May we be a community that becomes all that it can be through taking risks in the name of life and love. May we be able to hold us all through the transformation that will inevitably bring joys and sorrows, but that will one day yield a more just world for those that will carry on our legacy of becoming. May we offer a most fragrant and striking bloom that offers an irresistible beauty to the world.

Take care of your souls and I will see you soon.