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One way I monitor the ongoing health of my soul is by paying attention to the first thought that comes to mind when I awake. When my life is on (or at least near!) the right track, what arises within me is “Thank you!” There is an immediate sense of gratitude for the new day and all it will bring. That initial blast of gratitude often carries with me throughout the day and helps me stay thankful, even when things may not always be as I prefer. Most days, I wake up grateful. Except for those brief bouts of grumpiness, occasional illness, and now momentary detours into despair over the state of the world, I am more often spellbound by all the things there are to be grateful for in this life.
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“In the tender compassion of our Godthe dawn from on high shall break upon us,to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78–79 In this season of physical, liturgical, and (for many) spiritual darkness, where are you (yes, we mean YOU, dear reader) finding hope these days? Where are you finding joy, comfort, beauty, love, or hope? Help us all out—share some of those images with us. Whether your comfort is in the smile of a friend, the appearance of light in the darkness, the wonder of a child, your community gathered with one another—help us to see your Light.Post your pictures of Light to our FUM Facebook page, in the comments section below this post, and we will share them with other Friends, through our social media and through the enews, to remind us all that Light has come into the world and the darkness did not—will not—overcome it. Hashtag: #FUMlight
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On December 4, Western Yearly Meeting is sending Bob and Hope Carter (medical missionaries serving in Africa for over thirty years), Shawn and Katrina McConaughey (Western Yearly Meeting General Superintendent, and former Friends United Meeting Field Staff), along with Michael Sherman (FUM Coordinator of North American and Caribbean Ministries) to Belize for the explicit purpose of seeing and being seen. This fall, FUM’s North American Ministries has offered a book study of David Brooks’ book, How to Know a Person; The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Brooks writes in the opening chapter of his book, “There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen—to accurately know another person and to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.” Oscar and Miriam Mmbali, FUM Field Staff, are working and living in Belize with their daughter, Noa. It can be lovely living and working in a country which is not your own. It can also be lonely living and working in a country which is not your own.
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During my quiet time this morning I was thinking about what God is trying to teach me – teach us – during this season. It is my intent to grow from this, and to learn. At the same time I was thinking about how I can help the members of Wilmington Yearly Meeting, particularly this coming week as we should be preparing to celebrate the Resurrection.
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Alex Kern is the Director of Northeastern University’s Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service, and a Friend from New England Yearly Meeting. This week he shared these thoughts—about caring for oneself and others during times of trouble—with the interfaith campus ministry community he serves.
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With no employees allowed on the Ramallah Friends School campus for a month, no one will be there to do the heavy landscaping work until at least April, after I leave. I won't be able to participate in the installation of the Circle. My disappointment is pretty intense—so much design happens when you actually install. Besides the landscaping, the connections I have been developing with people here are not going to have this last month to deepen.
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Throughout our history, the people known as Friends (or Quakers) keep rediscovering an essential and enduring truth: There is one who speaks to our most basic needs and most significant hopes—Christ Jesus the Lord. Both individually and communally, we are learning to know and follow the Voice that guides us in the way we should go. Together, we seek to understand and obey that truth which sets us free. As a people, we share in the experience of that powerful life which makes all things new. Maybe you are searching for an authentic and transforming faith and community to call home—if so, come in and join us as we seek to know and follow Christ.
Friends United Meeting commits itself to energize and equip Friends through the power of the Holy Spirit to gather people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved, and obeyed as Teacher and Lord.
