New Way

Dear Beloveds,

I had two dreams this month. I do not always remember my dreams so when I do I pay attention.

The first one was of getting my hair cut in a new way. Haircuts, for me, always represent a new season. It definitely feels like a new season as we find new ways of being church together. Add in the new work I’ve been called to in association with the Long Beach Minister’s Alliance to bring police and community together in the Faith and Blue Weekend, October 8 – October 11th and it is an exciting time. The end of the dream was the thought, “It looks good on me.”

The other dream was of living in a home in the shadow of a cliff. The rocks of the cliff started sliding down destroying the homes around my own. It was not a pleasant dream. But it does signify an underlying fear that all that has been built will be destroyed.

To be willing to build upon our hopes despite the fear is work empowered by faith.

But, leaning into the second dream for a moment, I am reminded of a UCC church in Laguna Beach I attended while between calls.

Reverend BJ Beu invited Buddhist monks into his sanctuary one weekend each year. They would spend two days creating an intricate mandala of colored sand. When they were finished, they did not post their creation on Facebook. They did not take pictures for posterity. Instead, they went to the ocean, and let the wind blow it all away.
Imagine working, not for an end, not to leave something behind that will last beyond you, but working in a way where you can enjoy the process of creation, where you are connected to the Spirit.

Imagine what it might feel like to be free of the fear of loss. Imagine a life of faith where what matters most is your connection to the Creator.

Try this new way of being on. Leave behind the worry of legacy and instead take hold of the Eternal One’s love. I think it will look good on you.

Pastor Heather