From Something to Something

     Coming from something, becoming something new. Coming from somewhere, going somewhere else.

     "The best of time and worst of times," an age-old quote which seems to continuing be ringing true. These are emotionally and mentally draining days. I don’t know about you but in this time and place it is so easy to get stuck. Stuck in the political shiny objects that distract and disrupt. Caught in the many, many tragedies that shock us and yank us and topple us to our knees. Lost in the fog of the waste and the want of our everyday. AND there is generous compassion in hoped-for and in unexpected places. There are random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty happening at the best of moments. 

     There are teachers all around us. There are young ones with innocent demonstrations of trust and possibility (ever seen a baby grab on to a finger, or a toddler-tumbler attempt her first steps?). There are old ones who have walked some of these same old cobbled stones, and maybe have some short-cuts or know of some rest stops along the way. And every hour of every day there are teachers right outside our back doors: waiting with natural clipboards and magnifying glasses, Mother Nature is ready and willing to teach.

     The root systems of trees can be such a wonderful teacher. Root systems sustain and nourish. They dig deep and wide to hold the tree up when the winds blow and when the water runs dry for a time. They adjust and move around and over and through. They cling to and claim life.

    Here in these growing darker earlier days of December, it is helpful to remember the possibilities of digging deeper and wider. The wind can blow cold and these nights can grow lonely. It is helpful for us to be mindful of what is holding us up and sustaining us in this time. Are we tending to our roots? Are we mindful and care-full about nurturing that which sustains us?

    Advent is somehow able to always be holding our past, present and future. In these days I am paying attention to what has brought me here, the lessons and carols that have shaped me. I am paying attention to what is around me now, the sights and sounds and textures of these days bring inspiration and comfort. I am hopeful for what is next, what is just on up ahead.  One time of our life coming into another time. One part of our story leading to another and another. Connected. Passed-down. Rooted into a place and time yet moving toward something beyond. Coming from something, becoming something new.

---