Physical, Not Social Distancing

Our Church emails a devotional for each day during this Coronavirus period. Dr. Miller, a Church member, made the observation in his devotional that we are to maintain a physical distance from one another, but not a social distance. We are social people so we need to stay "in touch." We can connect with others socially via the telephone, emails, texts, Skype, Zoom and many other available platforms. Keeping a physical distance so that we aren't getting or spreading the virus is a good and necessary practice. That doesn't necessarily mean we can't reach out to others. I hope you will take the initiative during this time to contact your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. and say 'Hi, been thinking about you." It is a significant blessing to know that you are remembered. So, pass the blessing on to others.

Slip Slidding Into New Life Lessons

Slipped on some black ice and tore my quad loose. After surgery I'm in an immobilizer and on crutches. I'm an active person so this enforced period of inactivity is unwelcome. Nevertheless, it is slowly beginning to teach me some important lessons. For example, I must depend on others rather than doing it myself. I can't even get myself a glass of water. I have been doing a lot of reading. I just purchased a third book on my Kindle, Dr. James Hollis' book, Living an Examined Life. What drew me to it was the subtitle, "Wisdom for the Second Half of the Journey." I'm well into the second half of my journey but, nevertheless, let's read what he says. I'm a reader of Dr. Hollis and his Jungian background so I'll pay attention. In my practice of therapy, I've frequently told clients that they will think they are better than they really are. Healing takes time and our minds are usually ahead of our physical selves. At least, mine is and that's why I fell a second time, but in the house. My instructions are not to get up except to go to the restroom and table. That's not an easy lesson for me to learn.

Impeachment and stone throwing

The Presidential impeachment trial has concluded with a verdict of acquittal. I suspect we will never actually know what really happened or even what the actual motivation was all about. Nevertheless, I'm glad there was someone who brought the charge and a group that reached their verdict. Perhaps every national leader and President should be charged with misusing his/her influence and, therefore, tried by a group of peers. Our world is full of individual and group behaviors that are questionable. There is something within each of us that breaks through our persona (how we want to be seen by others) and, about which, we hope no one knows. It was Jesus who said, that those of us who are without sin are those who would want to begin throwing the first stones. I'm glad there was a charge, impeachment, trial and verdict. However, I'm certainly not in a position to begin throwing stones. I'm pleased, however, that it is over. I wish some would now 'let it go' so we can move on. Perhaps that's what Jesus meant when he said 'go and sin no more.'

Two christmases, why not?

Ever since I learned that Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on the evening of January 6th and the day of the 7th, I've thought, "Why not?" We Protestant and Catholic Christians call that day, Epiphany or the arrival of the wise men. We really don't know what day or even time of the year Jesus was born. The Emperor turned the worship of the Sun God into the day of celebrating Jesus' birth, primarily for political purposes. Perhaps the Orthodox are more correct. I say, what difference does it make as long as we celebrate the greatest of all miracles, which is the Incarnation. So, why not celebrate two Christmases.

Saying "Thanks"

As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm thankful for the ability to say, "Thanks." I've two friends with whom I've recently visited. One is suffering from a major stroke that has stolen his ability to speak. He can't say, "Thanks" even though his facial expressions seem to indicate that he wants to say "Thanks." Another friend has late stage dementia and is unable to recognize her visitors, even family. She is also not able to say "Thanks." This thanksgiving season, I'm grateful for the ability to say, "Thanks."

Words

Choose your words carefully. They are important. God spoke the world into existence. God spoke the first time and there was chaos and darkness so, God spoke again and began to separate and clarify the various elements: light and dark; land and water; animals and humans. God continued speaking until there was a created person, one with whom God could relate. One who could talk--use words and share in the on-going creation of the world and relationships. Words, they are the building blocks of creation. With words we can build or we can destroy. Choose words carefully because they are powerful gifts from the Creator.

A New Word

I've learned a new word. I've been reading Lori Gottlieb's book, Maybe You Should Talk To Someone. She is a therapist who gains interesting insights when she becomes another Therapist's patient. For many years, I've met regularly with a therapist or a spiritual director so there is someone who listens to my "stuff" and helps me sort out issues. I've learned a lot about myself from this discipline. I strongly recommend this as a spiritual discipline. The new word is ultracrepidarianism. It is even fun to pronounce and YouTube will give you pronunciation guidance. It means the habit of giving opinions and advice about matters outside of one's knowledge or competence. It is not a good habit to have an opinion about anything and everything. It is okay to say, "I don't know;" especially when it is the truth.