The Rule of Benedict opens with the word…listen.
One of the main tenets in Benedict’s Rule is that we are always offered the grace to begin again. After coming to the end of an (dare I use the worn out word?) unprecedented year like 2020 (not to mention the unthinkable events during the first week of 2021), I am ready to begin again…ready, when the time is right and the virus has been contained, to engage once again as a human being in the presence of other human beings. My pastor remarked in a recent sermon that, “God did not design us for distance learning.” True dat. We are designed for relationship, and I miss being in ‘real’ community with others. Don’t get me wrong…I am incredibly grateful for and constantly amazed at the technology that allows us to ‘connect’ with each other, but I look forward to the days ahead when hugs are safe and back in style and travel is spontaneous and carefree. I also know that time has not quite come, and so I will continue to mark these days, holding onto hope and relishing the joy that is somehow stored in the deepest part of the heart, if I will but claim it by faith.
In the recent weeks of this continuing pandemic, I have found myself being drawn to familiar books, movies, albums, and articles that have particular meaning for me. I’m also getting ready to dive into the task of culling boxes and files in my closet, with a strong probability of being led down some nostalgic ‘rabbit trails.’ What is interesting is that I recognize this pattern as being related to a subconscious preparation for something creative in the works. Hmmm….
Somewhere in the last quarter of 2020, I found myself, once again, in a real love/hate scenario with social media. I greatly appreciate the opportunity these platforms afford to reconnect with old friends, promote worthwhile projects, interact online with musicians, and more, but I was also made aware of the addictive and divisive power of these platforms. So I put myself on a bit of a ‘social media diet,’ taking some time to try and sort out how to best use this method of communication as a means for good without going down a dark hole. Finding that balance is a struggle, to be sure, but it recently dawned on me that perhaps I could ‘ease up’ a bit and use social media as a platform to share some of the stories and incredible opportunities I’ve been blessed with along the way rather than trying so hard to provide ‘newsy’ posts for the sake of ‘engagement.’ I wonder if that’s the ‘creative thing’ possibly in the works? You never know…so, be on the lookout…and if I’ve missed the mark__don’t worry___I’ll begin again.
Until next time…wear your mask…wash your hands…say your prayers…get the vaccine…and …
+peace+
Tricia