I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine love.

— William Blake

Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

How does the Divine live through you? I suppose I'm a little preoccupied with this question as the seasons are now deeply shifting. And, at this time, much shifts within us as well. This seems to be the time of year where our complacency is disturbed, our sense of place in the world is unsettled and our lives are disrupted. We are unable to hide from the shifting landscape, however uncomfortable that shift might be.

This year, that shift is seismic. The recent economic difficulties, the terrifying destruction of Ian and the strains of Covid that linger have all impacted our sense of self and our place in community.

At the same time, leaves are falling, nature is preparing to rest and rejuvenate, and we are entering a month of holy days. St. Francis Day, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, All Hallows Eve, Samhain and the colorful celebration of Diwali all fill our October calendars.

So, how do you maintain a healthy balance between the discomfort of shift and the comfort of familiar celebrations? How, in the center of this sacred space, is our unity with The Divine and with each other kept alive and well? For, within this space, lives the work to be done as an expression of The Divine. The Divine lives in each of us, of this I am sure, and bringing that Spirit to life is our sacred responsibility.

The key might be to stop, listen and pay attention to that Spirit that speaks to us in so many ways; to be fully in relationship with our Source and with each other, to recognize that deep connection and to make choices for the highest good of all.

Let's celebrate as many holy days as possible with joy and abundance; let us also take time to reflect and consider. Let us be certain that we are an expression of The Divine and not of our egos. Gather the apples, volunteer your time, light the hearth and carve the pumpkins. Let us celebrate all of this with the deep and rich connection to each other and to The Divine. For we live in the Spirit and the Spirit lives in us. Because of that, we build a community that shares both rejoicing and grieving. Because of that, we all heal.

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: How does The Divine live through you each day?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington celebrates all holy days for all people. She can be reached for Sacred Celebrations and Life Events at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.