Dear Ones,

It is good to be back in Mankato, though, I cannot lie, San Diego was delightful. Warm weather, sunsets into the ocean, good friends, and time to reflect. Such Study Leave sustains me, and I know what a privilege it is. And it is a bit of self-love—something we all need—a chance to leave behind for a bit the stresses and responsibilities and expectations of my ordinary life and set a different rhythm, one guided by rest and reflection and release from the obligation of endless tasks.

It pains me that not all of us have such opportunities. Yet we do all need what poet and painter Brian Andreas encourages: “There are days I drop words of comfort [and love] on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.” Please do drop some love onto yourself, today and every day, you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. May your feel it so, and may it be so. And if you can’t, know that I will.

Blessings and warm wishes, Rev. Rita