The spiritual theme for this month of May is “embrace.” This is one word in the new OUUC mission to welcome and wonder, embrace and empower, bridge and become.
Embrace has two meanings; the first is to hold close, enfold, encircle, enclose. It means literally to take to heart, as in a hug.
The second meaning is to accept or support willingly and enthusiastically, to take up gladly. It means to welcome, to take to heart an idea or belief instead of a person, or animal or thing.
Reflecting on this theme, the question I keep returning to is: what does it mean for a faith community to embrace? What do we enfold, encircle; what do we welcome? What do we support willingly and enthusiastically?
In this past Sunday’s service, with words and music, Troy and I invited us to embrace our past, present, and future. We might say that we embrace our principles and our values. We could say that we embrace each other.
We might even consider “embrace” as part of our aspirations. What if we embraced differences? How about embracing conflict as an opportunity to change? What if we embraced change?
Another aspect of the theme of “embrace” is what is embracing us. Some might turn to God, Spirit, Mystery, a Love that never lets us go. Some might say we are held by the earth. We hold each other. We are held by tradition and history. Perhaps we are even held by the unknown of the future.
This month as we celebrate Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and welcome Spring, I invite you to notice what you are embracing and what is embracing you. Maybe you’ll find some surprises.
Blessings on your week.
Rev. Mary