“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
During my last years of high school, I recall someone speaking to my class regarding college and other post-high school options. The one metaphor I can clearly recall this person making was about doors. They told us that it was important to think of how our current actions might determine which doors may remain open and which ones may close. I assume they came intending to motivate us to work hard in school, to ensure greater possibilities in the future. It spoke to me, but looking back, I also wonder if what they said felt limiting and discouraging to some who had academically fallen behind.
In Unitarian Universalist faith tradition, we teach that each person is important and celebrate each person’s unique gifts. If we think of our own challenges and shortcomings as missed opportunities or doors closing around us, we might fall into the trap of a fixed mindset, feeling like we have failed rather than embracing our next step. While I agree with that speaker’s sentiment that we all should do our best, to allow our greatest dreams and possibilities to unfold, I also know that, in my own path, the doors I unknowingly walked through have led to my greatest adventures.
May we trust that the doors meant for us will open in time. Let us encourage one another and voice clearly our recognition of the inherent worth of all. Give us the courage to speak up and to act when doors are unjustly being shut for ourselves and others, especially those whose identities are marginalized. I pray that our future generations know to embrace their present, wherever they are at.
…I am here for you, just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays through Wednesdays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.
Macey Forsyth
Please consider joining our private Facebook group: UUFM Children’s Faith Development (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404655806251029/). This group is intended for families and congregants who are involved in Children’s Faith Development. My approval of new members’ access to the information there is what makes the group a safe space for sharing. I will be sharing our weekly stories as Facebook videos on my personal page publicly and sharing them in the group, as well as short prayers and meditations.
Link to the stories: Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwWkbABO6HpDlw5Po2TdQA?view_as=subscriber
Youth Group:
- This Sunday, September 26th, 11:30am-12:30pm, with Lee and Macey via Zoom
We are now requiring at least two people RSVP each session. Please register for this session here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/c0a05a
Children’s Faith Development:
- Our next date for Children’s Chapel is to be determined this October.