It is that time – the time that I will go to my beloved River – the place where I feel connected, my refuge, my spiritual place of renewal.
My prayer for each of you is that you might go to your place of refuge, your spiritual place of renewal, and be fed for the journey. Take time to reconnect with the source of your being and open your being to whatever spirit offers.
This morning I am here in the office just cluing up some things before heading out for vacation. By Saturday I will, once again, be physically on the banks of my beloved river. So, of course that is what is foremost in my mind at the moment.
I believe we all need that special place to go where we feel at home and refreshed. A place that speaks to our beings and nurtures our soul. Perhaps it is a memory or a physical location. It may be listening to favourite music in the car, or watching a particular movie or reading a book. It is that place where you can find a moment of peace, where you can escape for a time of renewal and feel cradled in love. Here you are inspired, connected to mystery and where, even if only for a moment, you feel alive, balanced and free.
Where I Feel Connected
For me, this has always been the banks of my beloved river. Not just anywhere on the river but a particular spot that is marked by love. It is a place where the soil, the trees, the water, the animals, the buildings and the voices of the ancestors all speak to me. It is where I feel connected with Divine mystery and where my being is renewed and transformed. Here my mind is free to soar and my spirit is one with the universe.
From this spot on the river I have written songs and books; I have dreamed dreams; I have poured out my anguish, tended my wounds, celebrated family and recalibrated my life.
Our Beginnings - Our Connection
This morning as I sit in the office and think about my river I am reminded that my river runs the breadth of the universe and connects beyond this spot to life itself. I think of the opening words of the gospel named for John
“In the beginning was the word. The word was with God and was truly God. With this word all things came into being and received life and light was given to all. This light keeps shining in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out.”
These words are often interpreted connecting Jesus and the Divine power. John uses this opening to establish the chosenness and divinity of Jesus. However, like most of our sacred story, I see within these words another meaning.
“with this word all things were created and given life.”
I am reminded of our beginnings, our connection one to the other and to all creation. No matter who we are, where we live, how our story has unfolded, what spiritual path we have chosen, one thing is certain – we are one. We come from the same source and are woven into a mosaic. Each strand is dependent on the other and together we are creation.
This Summer - A Celebration
This summer, on my river, I will do many of the things I have always done. However I will also be celebrating with my daughter and her partner as they come together as one; I will be singing songs of praise as my children and grandchildren are all together in this space for the first time in many years and …
I will be inviting you to join me on this river on August 22 where we will worship together virtually.
Your Place of Refuge
My prayer for each of you is that you might go to your place of refuge, your spiritual place of renewal, and be fed for the journey. Take time to reconnect with the source of your being and open your being to whatever spirit offers.
Blessings
Valerie