What Holds Our Attention?

As the leaves fall from the trees and the weather turns cold, my attention turns inward. Every year, for me, this time of year reminds me to pay attention to home, family, community. The winter is a long and chilly time, and we need each other’s company in the cold times. And this time around, I am nestling into a new community, a new church, and relishing the way that we are learning about one another. We are coming to know our rhythms and cycles.

The upcoming holidays, sharing our soup and bread, the Holiday Dinner and sales of Soup and Scones… All of these traditions and rituals of the church are ways of noticing the seasons and caring for one another. I remember this time of year as a child, when we raised our own turkeys and traded with our neighbors for their honey, bread, vegetables, or meat. This work brought together the community. It meant it was the season of checking in. We made calls and sent cards, not only to trade things, but to see who had a baby or changed jobs since this time last year. I still love that about this time of year. As it becomes chilly out, less outdoor time means I make tea and write letters or make little crafts to send to people who I haven’t seen in awhile.

A church member reminded me recently how important it can be to hear one another’s stories. I have been hearing about how some of you came to this congregation, and about your spiritual journeys. The next time you’re with friends, what might happen if you asked: What is on your heart right now? How is your spirit? This year, in the season when it turns chilly outside, I hope that we will take the opportunity to build warm and fulfilling relationships through asking these kinds of questions. And please, keep telling me the stories of your heart. It is so important to pay attention to one another. I know how valuable every single person’s story is to creating this unique community. I hope you will help me continue to build this sacred space in which we can share with one another.

So this season, I would encourage you to pay attention to where you are placing your attention. Are you hurrying through the days and scowling at the early setting of the sun, or are you taking the time to enjoy the darkness as a reminder to focus on your household and those within your close circle? If the long nights are making you lonely, can you ask someone from the church to hang out? Perhaps a friend might watch a movie or have dinner with you. Maybe you could come to a church event, or sit in the sanctuary and breathe in the stillness.

Whatever path you choose, I hope it brings peace, fulfillment, and spaciousness into your life. I hope you have a chance to pay attention to one another, making this winter one of ongoing connection. May you be so blessed.