The start of a new year is always a good time to reassess. I invite you to take some time to reflect on your place in the world, the belonging you have that tethers you to this place and the connections that nurture your spirit. If you find some place wanting, just lean a bit more into listening to yourself, listening to others at a deeper level and see if you can feel the connection with those around you and with all of creation. Say hi to strangers, greet a tree out loud, laugh out loud at something that brings you joy even when noone is looking.

If life is all shadows and weightiness today; rest, find some kindness that you can share, lean into those who will hold you and lighten your load. You are precious and unique in all this world. Your life makes ripples in the season of time that you are here and changes everything. You are the beloved one that the Holy rejoices in.

Here is a blessing by Jan Richardson.

A Blessing

Begin here:

 Beloved.

Is there any other word needs saying,

any other blessing could compare

with this name, this knowing?

Beloved.

Comes like a mercy to the ear that has never

heard it. Comes like a river

to the body that has never seen such grace.

Beloved.

Comes holy to the heart aching to be new.

Comes healing to the soul

wanting to begin again.

Beloved.

Keep saying it and though it may

sound strange at first,

watch how it becomes part of you,

how it becomes you, as if you never

could have known yourself

anything else, as if you could ever

have been other than this:

Beloved.

–Jan Richardson

Be the love that you hope for the world and when your well is dry, reach out to others who can share their love for a time.

– Rev. Michelle DeCoste