Greetings, Inspired Seekers:

Welcome November – that magical and mystical portal of a month that leads us into the holiday season. And what a month it is!

Diwali, Samhain, All Souls' Day, All Saints' Day, Dia de los Muertos, The Birth of Bab, The Birth of Bahá'u'lláh, The Jain New Year, St. Andrew's Day and, of course, Thanksgiving all arrive festooned in color with tables overflowing with the tastes, scents and sounds of the season.

Falling leaves, the embers of bonfires, the occasional snow sprinkle, cozy blankets and mugs of warm beverages make their welcomed appearance to soothe our souls as we prepare … for what? This season that shifts us ever so gently into the fallow, reflective time, can also transform our inner self – if we shift with it.

These days, and the spiritual celebrations they offer, call out to us with a profound question: Where do you see the face of the undefinable God in all of this? For, if we are unable to be open and receptive to recognizing the Holy One in all of creation, perhaps, where we need to look is within – as beautiful as the landscapes are.

In fact, those landscapes should give us a respect for all of creation and its many parts – the waters, the land, the air, each other and all of those who share the planet with us. All is holy. All is sacred. All is – dare I say it – the sacrament in which we live and move and have our being (as the prayer goes).

This November brings with it the joy, the breath of Spirit and the celebrations that we hold so very dear. And this year, in somewhat treacherous days, we have a choice. We can fuel the fire of hate, fear and separation or we can light the flame of hope, unity, justice and peace.

Grab that mug of cocoa and choose. This November? It's all up to us.

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: How will you work to fan the flame of hope?

As an Interfaith Minister, The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington seeks to respect differences, focus on common ground and seek the highest good of all. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.