Lilac Window

Hello Everyone,

I am sure you have been watching the news. I have been deeply moved by the images and thinking about the people affected by this disaster. Its one of those things that puts you at a loss for words. As parents you cant help think about your own families and imagine what people must be going through.

When things like this happen far away, sometimes I feel grateful that I am in such a safe place. But mostly I feel an overwhelming sense of frustration and sadness and I feel helpless to do anything about it. Of course we will all contribute money or time in an effort to help Japan in the next few months but I want to request a special evening for us to pray and reflect with our children. It is a way of gathering and preparing ourselves to do what we can.

In the panic that must follow, its hard to justify something like an evening of prayer. Its seems pretty flighty when people are facing real emergencies. But I also have to gather myself and consider things that are often over looked. There is an undervalued relevancy of gathering together and finding sacred time.

Here are a few reasons why I think a spiritual gathering like this is important:

Praying with children helps them learn how to calm themselves, and put trust in something beyond themselves (deal with stress)

It teaches our children (and ourselves) that we can come together as a community no matter what background/religion we are from

It shows we all have a common trust and love for our world and for each other

It creates an environment of peace, love and reverence when sacred words are read and reflected on

We create a deeper connection and community that can assist each other in times of emergency or hardship

When friendship and connections are made based on a deeper level and understanding of our common humanity, we are more resilient to disaster

As adults, it is a good stress release, which enables us to be more able to cope with life, and help others

We are spending time to orient our thoughts beyond the day to day and think of the bigger picture

We admit we are not the only ones able to bring change, and we can put our trust in forces we may not understand, but that bring us love and happiness

You may have other reasons to come to a gathering like this, you can reply to this email and let me know.

This devotional is short notice, due to the circumstances. I will have another one in April so please don’t worry if you cant make it – but I would love to hear from you either way

This  devotional will be 6:00 – 7:00 Sunday March 13.

Love and safety to you families and loved ones.

Angie.

• Praying with children helps them learn how to calm themselves, and put trust in something beyond themselves (deal with stress)
• It teaches our children (and ourselves) that we can come together as a community no matter what background/religion we are from
• It shows we all have a common trust and love for our world and for each other
• It creates an environment of peace, love and reverence when sacred words are read and reflected on
• We create a deeper connection and community that can assist each other in times of emergency or hardship
• When friendship and connections are made based on a deeper level and understanding of our common humanity, we are more resilient to disaster
• As adults, it is a good stress release, which enables us to be more able to cope with life, and help others
• We are spending time to orient our thoughts beyond the day to day and think of the bigger picture
• We admit we are not the only ones able to bring change, and we can put our trust in forces we may not understand, but that bring us love and happiness