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GraceNotes: Holding the Space for … Reflection
#10 — February 1, 2013 |
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Belatedly, I loved thee. — St. Augustine Greetings, Inspired Seekers! Welcome to the month of love and to the month of reflection! What a perfect pairing of joy and laughter, silence and thought. Balancing seems to be the order of the day and, for most of us, it is a challenge. For, as St. Augustine reminds us, without reflection, we might miss the great gift. Winter can be a time of cold and darkness or it can be a gift of reflection, gratitude and grace. The choice is ours. Which will you choose? The month is filled with choices echoed in many traditions. In the Christian tradition, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as a day of massive indulgence before entering into the reflective and penitent season of Lent. A time of thoughtful silence, prayer and meditation, meant to deepen the connection and relationship to God’s sacrifice on Good Friday. The Buddhist tradition offers the celebration of Parinirvana, a joyful celebration of the enlightenment achieved by The Buddha at his death. It follows a period of reflection and quiet. And, in the Earth Based traditions, Imbolc, or St. Brighid’s Day, is the day that welcomes the beginning of Spring, knowing that thoughtful days of shadow lead us into the time of rebirth. Let’s not forget Valentine’s Day — a celebration of love in both spiritual and secular society. These traditions, and many others, recognize that love must be lit within us or we will miss that which is placed before us. And, in that exchange of love, there is an exchange of grace. So, while the chocolates and flowers are nice tributes, they really are outer manifestations of an inner experience. We give to others from the well within. And, we receive and take in these tributes because we know, inside, they come from the heart. My prayer this month is that the love within you will grow and expand and make itself known to the world. That the beauty that lies within will spring forward. And, in the center of it all, sits the Holy Spirit that guides and directs, protects and nourishes and speaks to us in quiet moments of reflection — sometimes when we are gazing at flowers or enjoying the chocolate! And, please join us for our monthly Interfaith Service celebrating The Grace of Love: | ||||||
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Grace-Fully Yours, Monthly Affirmation: Today I open my heart to the love of all that is holy and I offer that love to the world. Wedding Season is fast approaching! We would love to craft a ceremony that honors your love and your beliefs and creates a memory that will last a lifetime. Give us a call at 215 260 1611 or drop us a line at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com to discuss weddings, commitment ceremonies, vow renewals or other sacred ceremonies. All paths are welcome and all traditions are honored! | ||||||
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