One That We Can All Relate To
The final month of 2020 has thankfully arrived. Can I get a yes???!!!
Many of us have been more than ready to be done with this year for months now. The News, real and fake, social media and all of its positives and negatives, has shown us that people opted for fully decorated Christmas trees and other symbols of Holy Days, Holidays, and Revelry that only come at the years end since early fall. In essence folks have needed a beacon (UUCLV) of shimmering light to guide us all into a new year.
So how are you all managing? Are you into the holiday cards tradition this year? Is it a way to reconnect to a time that was less stressful? More normal, whatever that is? At times I've loved the entirety of the season. Even my friends and relatives that did a lot of bragging about the economic success of their lives or how awesome it is to be them with exotic trips and photoshoot letters of fabulous places seem to enjoy the less extravagant season this year. To be honest I've always been taken aback by the braggadocious, consumer driven behaviors. I think I've longed for a more basic way of closing the year. Chanukah, a Solstice Service followed by Christmas Eve service, Christmas Day, Kwanzaa, New Years Eve, and Three Kings Day captured everything and everybody on my radar.
This year life has been too messy! The losses, too great! My faith is even challenged as I watch our nation and world behave in many ways I find painful. Oh, 2020 how I'm not going to miss you!
I think many of us have wanted to commiserate and wallow in our shared despair; to give into the bad. But dear friends I’m asking and pleading for another course of action. At this time dear friends I encourage you to channel your inner curiosity and look at the world with a new set of eyes. Our Theme is STILLNESS this December. Maybe in the STILLNESS of life we can find peace? Love? Joy?
If the holiday season isn't for you, slow it all down before the blues set in. Take control way ahead of the crush of things. Please take time to appreciate the buzz of this special season, if you can. Remember that in the midst of it all, a quiet place exists. A joy can be had. The peacefulness of the dark, a park, or desert scape or your living room or any place that makes you feel good. I think we can find balance along with falling snow or maybe just falling asleep. It can happen for you in a restful, blissful way this special season.
I've taken to seasonal music! Try in moderation to enjoy delicious foods. Enjoy the offerings by different religions conceived and created by the talented artist, musician, preachers, theologian, saint and spiritualist of every kind. Please allow yourself in this season of awe and wonder to find meaning and joy. I know it can be crazy! I know this particular season is beyond the pale. I'm aware many of us go overboard. Too much drink! Too much food! Too many people on the roads who are not competent to be driving. I get it! Despite the chaos of the holiday season, take quiet moments to marvel in the mood of December and find what brings you joy this month. Embrace your sense of wonder by trying something new or something old - just try it safely...
December is a holiday season. From Advent starting on the 1st to Christmas on the 25th, Hanukkah begins on the evening of the 10th, and Kwanza on the 26th. These and many other holidays represent family, love, charity, and giving. So regardless of the beautiful gifts you give and receive, take time to consider the meaning behind each of these days and consider giving to local organizations, International organizations our how about our own UU family of good doers (UUCLV, UUSC, UUNO, DRUUMM, etc.) who would welcome your help. On the 31st, celebrate the past year by giving yourself the peace of mind to prepare for the year ahead. Plan goals and resolutions, but let yourself live and make mistakes as well! Sometimes the best resolutions are made with STILLNESS and awe along the way.
Happy December, Seasons Greetings,
Have a great New Year, Stay Safe,
Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey
Many of us have been more than ready to be done with this year for months now. The News, real and fake, social media and all of its positives and negatives, has shown us that people opted for fully decorated Christmas trees and other symbols of Holy Days, Holidays, and Revelry that only come at the years end since early fall. In essence folks have needed a beacon (UUCLV) of shimmering light to guide us all into a new year.
So how are you all managing? Are you into the holiday cards tradition this year? Is it a way to reconnect to a time that was less stressful? More normal, whatever that is? At times I've loved the entirety of the season. Even my friends and relatives that did a lot of bragging about the economic success of their lives or how awesome it is to be them with exotic trips and photoshoot letters of fabulous places seem to enjoy the less extravagant season this year. To be honest I've always been taken aback by the braggadocious, consumer driven behaviors. I think I've longed for a more basic way of closing the year. Chanukah, a Solstice Service followed by Christmas Eve service, Christmas Day, Kwanzaa, New Years Eve, and Three Kings Day captured everything and everybody on my radar.
This year life has been too messy! The losses, too great! My faith is even challenged as I watch our nation and world behave in many ways I find painful. Oh, 2020 how I'm not going to miss you!
I think many of us have wanted to commiserate and wallow in our shared despair; to give into the bad. But dear friends I’m asking and pleading for another course of action. At this time dear friends I encourage you to channel your inner curiosity and look at the world with a new set of eyes. Our Theme is STILLNESS this December. Maybe in the STILLNESS of life we can find peace? Love? Joy?
If the holiday season isn't for you, slow it all down before the blues set in. Take control way ahead of the crush of things. Please take time to appreciate the buzz of this special season, if you can. Remember that in the midst of it all, a quiet place exists. A joy can be had. The peacefulness of the dark, a park, or desert scape or your living room or any place that makes you feel good. I think we can find balance along with falling snow or maybe just falling asleep. It can happen for you in a restful, blissful way this special season.
I've taken to seasonal music! Try in moderation to enjoy delicious foods. Enjoy the offerings by different religions conceived and created by the talented artist, musician, preachers, theologian, saint and spiritualist of every kind. Please allow yourself in this season of awe and wonder to find meaning and joy. I know it can be crazy! I know this particular season is beyond the pale. I'm aware many of us go overboard. Too much drink! Too much food! Too many people on the roads who are not competent to be driving. I get it! Despite the chaos of the holiday season, take quiet moments to marvel in the mood of December and find what brings you joy this month. Embrace your sense of wonder by trying something new or something old - just try it safely...
December is a holiday season. From Advent starting on the 1st to Christmas on the 25th, Hanukkah begins on the evening of the 10th, and Kwanza on the 26th. These and many other holidays represent family, love, charity, and giving. So regardless of the beautiful gifts you give and receive, take time to consider the meaning behind each of these days and consider giving to local organizations, International organizations our how about our own UU family of good doers (UUCLV, UUSC, UUNO, DRUUMM, etc.) who would welcome your help. On the 31st, celebrate the past year by giving yourself the peace of mind to prepare for the year ahead. Plan goals and resolutions, but let yourself live and make mistakes as well! Sometimes the best resolutions are made with STILLNESS and awe along the way.
Happy December, Seasons Greetings,
Have a great New Year, Stay Safe,
Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey
