Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst

Sometimes, I work really hard to change something and nothing happens. Nothing.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Then in the space of a few crazy weeks, everything changes; total body makeover, transformation on cellular and global levels, and I am running just to keep up. As the shape of the coastline has been altered, so have the patterns of our interactions. The storms that ravaged our coastlines, flooded our homes and destroyed our beautiful trees began a process of transformation that we are still trying to make sense of in this community. Some say there is a ‘new normal’, but I’m not sure about that yet. Here are the things I do know: This community is stronger than we ever imagined. We are more caring and kinder to one another. We continue to have much to be grateful for and much to celebrate. And we are not alone, our entire UUA, our country and our world holds us in our time of need. Because of this, I will never be the same again. Some things (and some people we care about) have died, and some things are being born. May we remember to grieve and to remember and then to make way for something new, fresh and beautiful once again. December is about transformation, Hanukkah, Solstice and Christmas too. In this time of transformation, may we recognize and honor what endures, and embrace what is now being born to us.

Happy (whole and beautiful) Holidays to you,

Rev. Virginia

Next month’s theme is Curiosity. If you have something to add to the discussion, please forward to Rev. Virginia.