Faith First: Bring loving kindness to celebrations of fall

How prepared are we for this year's upcoming holiday season? Too soon? I think not. That seems to be a fair question to ponder in the October of a year that has been, well, tumultuous.

The stores are brimming with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and even New Year's decorations, as if we are celebrating “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” And, if you are like me, we smile, nod and pass all of it by – except for the Jack O' Lanterns. One holiday at a time for this girl! I'm up to my ears in pumpkins, mums and sparkly witches and, right now, that's as far as I'm going. Timing is everything when it comes to celebrations.

But it seems to me that preparation for our upcoming party days requires more than decorations. As we prepare to gather around our tables, hearths and fire pits, we have to prepare our hearts. To heal the broken moments, to honor the lost, to share goodness, kindness and forgiveness where it is needed most is the readiness with which we need to engage. Help needs to be offered and thin ice needs to be strengthened if our celebrations are to be fully joyous. Sometimes, this is not easy.

How do we transform our prayer, meditation and contemplation into action? Meaningful action. That's the real preparation that needs to be done as we carve the pumpkins, bake the cookies and dip the apples.

We can look to the faith traditions of the world for guidance as we look into our own hearts and strive to make right the wrong, to forgive and to heal. No time like the present. These are gifts that need no wrapping, only thoughtful attention.

The Christian tradition calls us to put our love in action, offering to share each other's struggles and to tend to the suffering.

Lovingkindness is the calling card of Buddhism, extending compassion consistently, especially during times of uncertainty and fear.

Our Native American traditions challenge us in the keeping of right relationship with each other and with Mother Earth. And our Hindu friends invite devotion to all, no matter their stage or state of life. The Divine is always present and always to be honored in each of us.

When we tend to love with sanctity, plan with care and understand that love really is a verb – an action – we become peace-makers. We sit at tables laden with nourishment rather than negativity and the fires we light signal warmth rather than warning. We become love in action.

So, as we prepare to bake the pies, light the candles, hang the wreaths and deck the halls, perhaps we should bake some love into our hearts, light the flame of love in our souls, hang out in circles big enough to include everyone and deck the ragged edges of the world with forgiveness. Then the songs we sing, the prayers we remember, the traditions of years gone by will be made fresh and full, and will be an inspiration of healing and joy throughout our communities.

Just imagine how magical and mystical this holiday season will be for “Everyone Everywhere All at Once.”

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington celebrates the rites of passage and sacred celebrations of all peoples. She also loves the merrymaking that accompanies each festivity of the day and can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com