by Christine Sine
Last week, Tom and I were in San Francisco and I am still living in the glow of the friends we visited. Some of them we have known for over 50 years. The gaps in time melted away as we pick up where we left off 10 or more years ago. There is nothing like a good friendship revived after many years. Ii is a little like enjoying an expensive vintage wine that has been bottled and kept in the dark until it is at its best. All these friendships are special and their impact on our lives is profound. As we chatted to some of the younger people we got together with however, I realized how lucky we are. They crave close friendships but find them elusive and often frustrating.
We all need friends. Close connections to others give us joy, comfort and support. They provide companionship as we walk the twists and turns of life and help us grow into the people God intends them to be. Celtic Christians called special friendships that were both friends and spiritual directors “soul friends” or “anamcara” In her book Friending: Real Relationships in a Virtual World, Lynne Baab gives one of the best definitions of friendship I have heard. She equates the characteristics of friendship to those of love described in 1 Corinthians 13.
The characteristics of friendship that have endured through the ages – loyalty, affection, sympathy and understanding – are echoed in 1 Corinthians 13. The patience and kindness of real love undergirds the kind of sympathy and empathy that makes friendships work. Refraining from envy, boasting and arrogance lays a foundation for the find of loyalty and affection that has always been valued in friendship. Rudeness and affection are often opposites, so keeping rude words out of our mouths helps us express affection in a more believable way. To feel and convey understanding for another, we need to let go of our own way, and we need to hold back on being irritable and resentful.
It’s true. Friendship is based on love with good doses of forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude thrown in. And at the heart, I find, is a need for prayer. It doesn’t mean that all our friends need to be people of faith, but it certainly helps when we share this important value.
Recognition of the need for friendship goes right back to the creation of Adam and Eve. God created Adam then realized it was not good for him to be alone and created Eve as a fitting companion. Throughout the scriptures, prominent figures seem to have depended on friendship. Some, like Job are even known as “friends of God” (Job 1:8) As well as that, Moses had his brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, David had Jonathan and Jesus had his disciples, though his closes friends seem to have been Mary Magdalene and the apostle John. As we read their stories we are aware of the love that cemented them together and sustained them even after their physical connections were broken.
Probably my favourite biblical verse on friendship is Proverbs 25: 11-13 from The Message
The right word at the right time
is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend’s timely reprimand
is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
Reliable friends who do what they say
are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!
Friendships are often forged in the midst of hardship. That was certainly the case for me. My closest friends are still the women I roomed with when I first came to the mercy ship Anastasis. Over the years we have shared many joys and sorrows. We have struggled through disagreements and challenges, (yes there have been reprimands) but we have always come back to the solid foundation of love and mutual respect that is at the heart of our friendship. My husband Tom calls them “my sisters in combat” because it was the hardships of times on the ship in those early days that really laid the foundations for us. And we are closer now than we ever were. We come from three different countries and now live in three different parts of the U.S. but we continue to grow together. As I reflect on the specialness of this friendship, Ecclesiastes 4:12 comes to mind A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Every friendship is like a threefold cord. It may only involve two people but always in the background there is that third strand of God’s presence that weaves together the other strands in love and companionship.
A few years ago I wrote this special prayer as a tribute to our sisterhood.
A cord of three strands
Is not easily broken,
And God has made us one.
As sisters we have walked the path,
Through seasons light and dark.
With joy and laughter we have shared,
The warmth of heart and home.
United in the One,
United by the Three,
One strand of friendship,
We enjoy,
Through all life’s seasons blessed.
(Christine Sine 2018)
Other friendships date back to those days too. One of the friends I got together with on my recent trip to San Francisco., together with her husband and myself, formed the medical team on the Anastasis in the early 80s. Our friendship was solidified through many hours of hard work renovating the hospital, and more hours of prayer as we struggled to birth the ministry that is still the heart of Mercy Ships. Other friendships have followed and the best of those too were cemented through the joys and struggles we share. I read somewhere once: Strangers are friends waiting to happen, and I think it’s true. Every stranger we meet has the potential to become a friend.
Today it seems easier to nurture these friendships because of zoom calls, Facebook photo sharing and regular emails. Even when we are far away, we feel close because of these connections. Through my work and ministry I have friends and connections around the world, some of whom I have never met. However these kinds of interactions seem to require more effort, more intentionality to move our interactions from casual acquaintance to friendship sharing events. I love that one of my Canadian friends always takes the opportunity after I have shared some of my photos on Facebook to set up a zoom call for more interaction. That kind of intentionality has really strengthened our friendship.
At this season, writing letters, making phone zoom calls is a great way to stay in touch or renew friendship with friends who may not be as close but who are equally important to us. We need both close and more distant friends just as we observed in Jesus’s life. We need connections to sustain and give us life.
As you prepare for thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas, take time to reflect on your own friendships. Which ones need strengthening? Which ones need renewing? Which ones need nurturing? How could you make sure this happens in the days leading up to Christmas?
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by June Friesen
Have you ever wondered as I have how it is that nature moves so smoothly through the different stages of life – spring generates new beginnings and new life while autumn brings death and rest? How is it that plants know when to grow their produce? How is it that animals know when it is time to prepare for hibernation? I think the older I get the more fascinated I am with all of this – the how, the why, the what, the when. I am a human with a mind that thinks and who wants to know all about time and how to use and embrace it in my life wisely and I still struggle. In the photos above I have captured some of the changes I observed on an autumn hike a few years ago. And every time I come across this collage I am challenged – do I need to take time? In Genesis God records that all of these special plants were created by Him – and when He created humanity He told them He made all of this creation for them to enjoy – and my friends that includes you and me – this is all made for you and I to enjoy…..are you taking time or have you taken time recently to enjoy the changes that are brought by autumn?
Genesis 1:13-15
11-13 God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants,
Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.”
And there it was.
Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties,
And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts.
God saw that it was good.
It was evening, it was morning—Day Three.
14-15 God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky!
Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and years,
Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.”
And there it was.
Yes – and there it all was – and it was good. As we contemplate creation around us going to rest what is there in the changes that you are grateful for? May it would be good to go for a walk – listen to the crunch of the leaves and twigs under foot. Maybe it has been rainy recently and you can smell the scent of the forest floor wafting up? Or maybe you see some berries that are ripe and stop to have a handful or two? Or do you hear the birds singing joyfully a song of praise? Or you reach down and pick up an acorn or two – seeing that one is but a shell already – someone had a snack. What treasures there are out in this incredible creation that God made all in one or two days. Or you come upon a creek or a lake and you stop and sit awhile – observing the reflection in the water – so delicate, so refined, – and one says to God, “How can this be? This beauty is so beyond words – how can I even say thank you God? Wow – – – just Wow! It is a play with the great lights you created that as they shine in different ways upon the waters as well as creation we are blessed with reflection. Oh God that reminds me that I too am to be a reflection of Your Presence here in this world.
Psalm 74:15-17
With your finger you opened up springs and creeks,
and dried up the wild floodwaters.
You own the day, you own the night;
you put stars and sun in place.
You laid out the four corners of earth,
shaped the seasons of summer and winter.
A RESTFUL AUTUMN REFLECTION
God as the earth is taking
A much needed time out to rest –
It still holds an intriguing call to all –
Come, reflect and rest with me.
Thank you for the reminder that sometimes life is rather flimsy and whimsical –
There are fluttering dry reeds –
And some restless dry, empty twigs –
Who in the midst of it all will rest –
Come rain, snow, frost, ice – or just regular quiet weather.
God –
I too am in need of a time out to rest –
I often hear Your gentle whisper to ‘come rest’ –
Come and reflect upon what I am doing.
Yes God, my life too is somewhat uncertain and also whimsical at times –
I too seem to be a fluttering and sometimes even sputtering –
I cannot quite grasp how it is to ‘just be’ with You –
Help me Lord to learn even in this moment –
To remember how important breathing is to sustain my physical life –
And just as important is my spiritual breathing for my spiritual life –
“God help me slow down, my spiritual lungs are gasping for breath;
My spiritual body is tired and weak because of lack of ‘spiritual oxygen’ –
My heart is entertaining an irregular beat because I have not opened it to You –
My spiritual body is weak, hungry, dragging along – because I do not take time to feed it from Your Word and in Your presence –
God, thank you for having a table prepared for me –
I now am going to sit down and I am going to eat with You,
Thank You for welcoming me back to my empty space –
And You still having nourishment here for me.
In Jesus’ Name amen.
photos by June Friesen
scripture from The Message Translation
As this season of gratitude, holidays and holy days begins, don’t forget to explore the resources here on Godspace. You can find liturgies, children’s activities and more seasonal resources here.
Welcome to November...In America it means the race is on to Christmas and the leaves are falling off the trees. Denver, Wyoming and Minnesota have already had snow. I am not sure the weather always knows it’s fall, but in Nashville, the temperatures finally dropped and we even have some fall colors! I am so grateful!
Welcome to November! I want us to step out of the hurry and the hustle towards the holidays and actually breathe in the wonder of a new month. A clean slate to start again with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I need a fresh start. The heaviness of the last few weeks has felt overwhelming at times. I continue to pray for peace and for the peacemakers and for people to pay attention and to vote for change when it comes to gun violence in the states. I am trying to figure out why we in America continue to have money for war but not for housing and healthcare? I am listening to voices who have boots on the ground and have worked for peace like Global Immersion.
I remember to practice gratefulness and gratitude! In October I started the practice of 5 Things…Creative Liz Lamoreux has a course where she sends out a daily prompt and invites you to make a list of 5 Things each day. Sometimes they are simple like “look around the room” and sometimes they make you go deeper and invite you to reflect on your dreams and your past.
In honor of Liz, What are Five Things things you want to remember from October? Make a list.
Things I Want to Remember from October 2023
1. How much I need people! So good to be with good friends in person after many, many years.
2. The beautiful colors of fall in Minneapolis
3. How much I need to be outside in Nature and go to places of beauty
4. How much I love to give away my art
5. To remember that I am free and totally loved by Jesus.
MAKE YOUR OWN LIST of what you want to remember from October.
Welcome to NOVEMBER..This week we celebrated Halloween /All Hallows Eve and then All Saints Day was officially on November 1, and All Souls Day and Day of the Dead was November 2. So lots of Days to remember the people we love and care about, those who have impacted our lives and gone to be with God. A great person to follow on Instagram and Facebook for all things Church Year is Danielle Hitchen of Catechesis Books. She posts history and ways to practice the Church Year with kids. And has a line of children’s books for little Believers.
Who do you want to remember this month? Who are you missing? Take time to be grateful for these people. Take time to grieve and remember them.
Many more liturgical churches will celebrate ALL SAINTS DAY this weekend. Often they will invite people to bring in photographs of friends and family members who have died to place near or on the altar as a visual reminder of their presence with us. Maybe you could get out the old photos and tell their story to someone else. I am at a family wedding this week where we are remembering those who aren’t here in the flesh to celebrate with us, but are totally here in spirit and in our DNA.
Welcome to NOVEMBER! It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month in the USA... but a great time to learn more about the Indigenous First Nations People wherever you live! I sadly didn’t know we had a whole month honoring our first nations people. G.H.W. Bush established the month in 1990. I am learning from authors like Kaitlin B. Curtice . Who writes about faith from a first nations perspective.
WELCOME TO NOVEMBER …let’s take time to remember all good things that God has done in our lives this year. Before the holidays have us in their grip, pause, breathe, take a walk and practice gratefulness. Make a cup of tea. Watch the sunrise or the sunset without your phone in hand. Take a walk and notice the beauty around you and be grateful to our Creator for all the colors, textures plants, animals and people you see.
As we practice gratitude and gratefulness we can combat the darkness of despair and bring hope to our world. Let’s pray with Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark
Oh, Great Spirit,
whose voice I hear in the wind,
whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty,
and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple
sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong
in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons
you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts
and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion
without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy, Myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you without shame.
~ Translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887
Mystic and visionary, Black Elk of the Lakota Tribe
embraced the teachings and faith of “God with us”
(Creator sets Free) later in life. He was a leader, a wise
man, and lived harmoniously with nature. Black Elk
witnessed the ending of the Lakota way of life at the slaughter of Little Big Horn.
( sorry i don’t know where I found this prayer to give them credit)
©lillylewin and freerangeworship.com
You can download a free Gratitude Jar Kit to help you with your practice
I have a love-hate relationship with contentment. I remember once listening to Sheryl Crow sing, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got,” and starting an argument with her in my head, listing all the reasons why wanting more can be a good thing, and why just being happy with what you’ve got can actually, sometimes, be bad. I’m not a status-driven, “I want it all, and I want it now” materialist. I don’t thrive on consumption, and I have no dreams of untold wealth. But I get frustrated when contentment is reduced to stagnant complacency. The way contentment is often described sounds an awful lot like ‘laziness’ to me. I know this wasn’t Sheryl Crow’s meaning, but it is how contentment is sometimes depicted.
If human beings had remained content in this way, we would never have discovered the diverse beauty of lands different from our own. We would never have learned to heal sicknesses, grow crops, or create the amazing tools of communication that we rely on every day. If we were always content, we would never choose to get married, have children, or make friends. While all of these things may have a dark side, in themselves they are gifts, and they have all arisen out of a sense of need, of restlessness, of discontent.
So, how are we to navigate between the twin dangers of lazy complacency and greedy lust for more—neither of which lead us into true contentment? How are we to understand contentment and how are we to achieve it? I am reminded of a wise, but little known, word that Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica: “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). These words have become a guiding principle for me, and they, linked with my worship practice, have opened the door to contentment.
What I’ve learned is that contentment is not about having everything you want (Sheryl Crow was right there). But nor is it about sitting back resignedly and giving up any longing for more. Contentment can be found in a quest to discover new things, to experience new places and even, within reason, to acquire new possessions. The key for me is in Paul’s words, which indicate that contentment is not a destination. It’s part of the quest.
When we are so busy trying to get more, do more, be more, that we have no time to enjoy the places and people we find ourselves with, we will never be at rest. On the other hand, when we just check out, and give up the journey altogether, we end up disheartened and depressed—existing instead of living. But, when we are able to embark on the adventure that is life, seeking new learnings, new experiences and new people, while celebrating each moment, each milestone and each new bend in the road, we discover a life that is vibrant, full and, yes, content.
One simple practice, that worship teaches, can open the doors to this vibrant, adventuresome contentment—thanksgiving. When we give thanks for what we have and how far we have come, we discover contentment. When we give thanks for the journey itself, and for each moment we find ourselves in, we discover contentment. And when we give thanks for what we have yet to learn and experience and explore, we discover contentment. Thanksgiving moves us away from the addiction to goals, destinations and things, and into appreciation for people, relationships and the glory of living. We may still have goals, we may still journey toward destinations, and we may we still acquire some things, but they are not the point. The point is to be aware, each step of the way, of God’s presence and purpose, of the mystery of our unique place in this amazing universe, and of the love which holds it all together. That is what thanksgiving teaches us. And it is worship that teaches us thanksgiving—if we will only allow it to, through regular, mindful participation.
Join Christine as she leads the last of her three virtual retreats in this year’s Seasonal Retreat series. She will lead a morning of scripture reading and quiet reflection that will be for many of us a much needed oasis of quiet in the midst of this chaotic season.
by June Friesen
How often does one consider that the moon plays an important part in the creation plan of God. We readily admit that it is the greatest of heavenly lights in the night sky and when the moon reflects the sunlight in all fullness in the dark we are blessed and amazed and possibly at times even in awe. Did you know that in the very beginning God told us the purpose or at least one or two purposes of the moon?
Genesis 1:14-15 – God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky! Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and years, Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was.
Here we see the origin of the seasons – I remember when someone explained to me some of the working of the universe such as the impact of planets in the solar system as well as the placement of the stars, moon and light and their activity. I was fascinated by the power that the sun and even the moon have in the solar system as well as on our home planet the earth – and how little credit we give to the moon and how it affects certain things. Another Scripture gives us some more recognition of the reason for the moon and the sun.
PSALM 104: 18-20
The moon keeps track of the seasons,
the sun is in charge of each day.
When it’s dark and night takes over,
all the forest creatures come out.
The young lions roar for their prey,
clamoring to God for their supper.
When the sun comes up, they vanish,
lazily stretched out in their dens.
Meanwhile, men and women go out to work,
busy at their jobs until evening.
As a child growing up in the northern hemisphere I had a love-hate relationship with the moon. I lived on a farm where we had chickens who had free range of the yard during the daytime except in the time of deep winter snow and cold. The chickens generally were wise in the fact that when it got dark they all gathered in their chicken house. However at dark someone, and usually that someone was me, had to walk to the chicken house and close the doors to keep them safe from predators such as racoons, fox and/or skunks. Even though the moon may have been shining, a large light on a high pole somewhat illuminated the yard and I even having a flashlight – I was not always so trusting of what I may meet on this assignment. When the moon was shining in fulness it could appear quite a bit brighter yet it also seemed to cast shadows that I did not find particularly comforting. I sometimes wonder now as an older adult if someone had explained to be the incredible purposes that the moon served, and not just that it was a light of some kind at night, if I would have had a greater appreciation for the moon and the light that it gave me.
The moon is important to the earth for several reasons according to the study and writing of Elena Stone:
“The Moon is important to our planet and life on Earth because of many reasons, including:
- The Moon’s magnetic field shielded Earth from the effects of the Sun’s radiation.
- The effect of the moon in the tides of the ocean might have helped create the condition for life as we know it on Earth.
- Moon’s gravity stabilized Earth’s rotation and tilt, making Earth’s climate and environmental conditions a lot friendlier.
- The Moon has great conditions to be used as a base for space exploration.” (end of quote)
If these things are news to you maybe they could become new things for which you are grateful to God. The next time you observe the moon pause and reflect on other things it provides other than just a light in the night sky or a beautiful object that reflects in different colors depending on so many different variables. Many if not all of us live in a state of unappreciation when in comes to our planet, our atmosphere and our solar system. Just recently I have been spending some time with some of our church family’s children and was very surprised that they did not know that God created the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets etc. I am not sure how much you were challenged even by the few things that I have shared here today. I also purposefully shared different photos of shapes of the moon, colors of the moon and times of the day/night that the moon can be seen. All of these are a result of the earth’s atmosphere, the waxing and waning of the moon etc.
GOD’S GIFT OF THE MOON
The dark of the night can be so over powering,
It has the power to paralyze some with fear,
It has the power to invigorate others with anticipation,
It really is and can be embraced as a gift from God
If one takes the time to learn of the ways it blesses our planet and lives.
It is a help to sailors on the seas at times
While at other times it warns them of impending problems –
They have studied and learned the power of the moon
So as to hopefully gain from its gift
But not get caught in the struggles it forewarns them about.
It is a help to guide people who may not have a table of time –
They know that it waxes and wanes during a period of about 28 days,
They also know that at certain positions it has am impact upon the waters of the oceans and seas –
As well as occasionally it causes a blockage of the sun to shine in fullness upon the earth.
Take a moment and consider going out into the country –
Far away from the lights of the city scape
And embrace either the light that the moon is giving
Or if it is absent the lack of light which makes seeing anything near impossible.
God – I may not completely understand and embrace this beautiful creation called the moon
But I do realize that everything You chose to create was created for a purpose,
I thank You for keeping all things working according to Your created purpose such as the moon so that my life is enhanced even when I do not necessarily understand.
Today as I observe the moon in whatever stage it is in, I know it will fulfill its purpose,
And this presents a challenge to me as well –
That today and every day I need to embrace and live the life that You are giving to me –
Living it out to the fullest embracing You and reaching out to bless others as well.
Help my life to reflect You, the Son to the world as brightly as the moon reflects the sun to our earth –
As the moon gives light in the darkness may my life also give light to those who are enveloped by the darkness and troubles of our world.
In Jesus name, amen and amen.
Writing, unless otherwise noted, and photos by June Friesen. Scripture is from The Message translation.
It’s a beautiful cold, crisp autumn day in Seattle. The sun is shining and there is fresh snow on the mountains. Unfortunately the frost has decimated my dahlias which have been such a delight this year. Now I really know that summer is over and winter is on its way.
Tom and I have just returned from a wonderful week in San Francisco where he grew up. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through remembered neighbourhoods and meeting with special friends. Tom did a great presentation at a seminar with Tod Bolsinger. It was a busy but very enjoyable week.
This week is crammed with celebrations. Today of course is Halloween. The street where we live is known as a safe place for trick or treating so everyone is getting ready to enjoy the fun. I hate seeing all those pumpkins going to waste which adds to my concerns for an ethical and waste free celebration. Check out some recipes and recycling ideas here.
What many of us do not realize is that today is also Reformation Day. I highly recommend Alex Tang’s post on Substack. Reformed, Always Reforming in Today’s Digital World for some new perspectives on the day.
My focus however is on All Saints’ Day tomorrow. This is one of my favourite celebrations. Last year we updated our resource list with a number of new resources that provide great activities for the day. November 2nd provides a couple of important celebrations. It is known as All Souls Day, a day set aside for the remembrance of the dead. In San Francisco, and other places where there are many people of Mexican descent, the celebration is known as Day of the dead and has a much less solemn tone being portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning.
For me however, November 2nd is Looking for Circles Day. I love this day, which I talked about in my Meditation Monday – Embraced by God’s Circle of Light, because, for me it brings together the significance of all the other days we celebrate. We sit in God’s circle of light together with all the people of the world and surrounded by the circle of those who have gone before us. It is a wonderful day to add to your calendar.
Looking ahead, don’t forget that for those who enjoy celebrating an extended Advent with us and all those who delight in the Celtic tradition, remember Celtic Advent begins November 15th. I love this extended period of celebration because it enables me to focus on the real meaning of Advent and Christmas before the consumer culture reaches a crescendo of hype. This year I plan to make a special Advent wreath for my corner with a candle to mark each of the 6 weeks of Celtic Advent. Orthodox Christians also celebrate a 6 week Advent. There are some great resources available through Acetic Life of Motherhood.
Last week’s posts once more talked about trees. Barbie Perks in South Africa gave us a wonderful reflection on Baobab Trees and Rodney Marsh in Western Australia shares his beautiful reflection on walking in the Jarrah tree forest of his home. I loved both these posts for their thoughtful reflection and inspiration. Lilly Lewin gave some helpful ideas on Preparing to Wait as she looks ahead to Advent, and Sue Duby in But God encourages us to look for the “But God” stories in our own lives and those around us. Celebrating God’s goodness when we see them, knowing God is always at work on our behalf.”
As you look forward don’t forget that Godspacelight has lots of Advent and Christmas resources available including our Advent. Two of my favourites are the Advent Bundle with our Advent Devotional, Journal and Prayer Cards. They all cover the 6 weeks of Celtic Advent. Or if, like me you plan to start Christmas baking soon you might like the Godspacelight Community Cookbook available alone or as part of a special Advent bundle. We also have a number of free Advent resources including the ever popular Advent in a Jar.
There is still time to prepare yourself for the coming season so that it does not overwhelm you. We pray that you will take time to prayerfully consider what will most nurture you during this season.
Let us walk this path of life,
Through all its twists and turns.
God before me and behind me,
Christ beside on left and right,
Spirit deep within.
God Almighty, Three in One One in Three.
Let us not hurry and move ahead of you.
Let us not worry and move without you.
Let us not give up and move away from you.
May we walk the path that encircles and upholds us
The path that leads to the centre of your love.
Many blessings
Christine Sine
As this season of gratitude, holidays and holy days begins, don’t forget to explore the resources here on Godspace. You can find liturgies, children’s activities and more seasonal resources here.
by Christine Sine
At this season one of the first things I do each day is to light a circle of candles around me. November 2nd is Looking for Circles Day. God creates in circles and going out to search for those circles is an inspiring practice. They are everywhere–from the patterns on our fingerprints, raindrops, snowflakes, petals and flowers, to the orbs of the sun and the moon and the earth itself. Then there are the circles of days and nights, of seasons, and of life too. And in our faith, there is the circle of God’s love embracing us and of God’s presence in us and in all of creation. Then I imagine the circle of all the witnesses whose lives we celebrate on All Saint’s Day standing in an incredible circle of support and love around each and every one of us.
Like the Celts of old, I love circles and circling prayers and often incorporate these in my spiritual practices. At this time of year, I often greet the dawn with the soft glow of the sunrise reflected on the Olympic mountains outside my window, and say goodbye to the day with the even more breathtaking colors of the sunset over the mountains. It makes me feel as though I am indeed surrounded by God’s light. God’s embracing presence gives me strength, comfort and security in the midst of the ongoing trauma of our world.
My interest in circles as an expression of faith came from Celtic Christians who lived between the 5th & 8th centuries. They believed that a circle, with no break, created a complete whole, affording no access to the devil.
Monasteries were often surrounded by a circle of crosses declaring that the space within was sacred and different – dedicated to God and claimed as a place where God met people who were offered sanctuary and hospitality.” The Celtic Resource Book Martin Wallace
As I sit in my circle of light, I feel that same sacred presence surrounding and sustaining me. I close my eyes and draw an imaginary circle in front of me as I describe in this exercise adapted from a traditional circling prayer or CAIM. As I did so, I was reminded of a quote by Hermes Trismegistus that I came across recently:
God is a circle whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.”
I interpret this to mean that each of us is centered in the presence of God and that God’s presence moves out from us to embrace everyone and everything. There is no boundary to God’s presence or to God’s love. Nothing can extinguish the light of God. It might be hidden as it is presently behind the clouds that cover the sky. It might fade into darkness as the sun fades into night, but it is always there. It is always waiting for the right time to reappear. Wow, what a wonderful thought to begin the day with.
As I reflected on this a few days ago, I was reminded of another time I wrote about the emerging light of God and a saying attributed to an ancient monk:
How do we know when the dawn has come? Is it when we can see the mountains clearly? No. Is it when we can see a dog or a cat nearly in the emerging light? No. It is when we can see in another the face of God. That is when the dawn has surely come.”
As I pondered all of this over the last few days, while I grieved the atrocities of the war in Israel/Palestine, I was reminded of a prayer I wrote a couple of years ago. I plan to use it over the next few weeks as part of my candle lighting ritual each morning. It’s a wonderful way to start the day, aware that not only do I stand at the centre of God’s love, but that I also provide a centre for God’s love out of which others can be touched and embraced with divine light and love. This year as I pray the prayer I find myself wanting to expand the circle further and further so that it doesn’t embrace just me and my family or even the country in which I live, but the whole of God’s world and the entire creation.
Today, we stand in God’s circle of light,
Breathing in, breathing out.
Today we stand in God’s circle of light,
Light before, light behind,
Light on left, light on right,
Light buried deep within.
Today, we stand in God’s circle of light,
With friends and family, neighbours and strangers,
With all the people of the world.
Together we stand in God’s everlasting light.
Encircled, embraced,
United into one family,
From every nation and culture and creed.
Let this circle hold us,
Let this circle sustain us,
Let this circle surround us,
With the bright and shiny presence
Of the Eternal One,
Who leads us into light.
© Christine Sine September 2020
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