CFD Director’s Corner 07.28.21

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“Each time you stay present with fear and uncertainty, you’re letting go of a habitual way of finding security and comfort.”
-Pema Chodron

Many times, I have been told how, as a child, I strongly preferred knowing what to expect. I thrived on routine and familiarity. I was pretty easy-going and happy until my schedule or my surroundings had shifted. Occasionally, like many children, this would result in full-blown meltdowns. Once, as a toddler, I was without my special blanket when my family decided that we would stay overnight at my grandparent’s home. Luckily, my grandmother had a blanket in the exact style and texture of that baby blanket. Apparently, however, it was not the same color, so it was decided that it would be given to me when the lights were already out. I was fast asleep, but when morning came, I was devastated, believing that my blanket had actually changed color overnight.
I still appreciate a healthy routine. Recently, I have been feeling a bit out of sorts, as I have sacrificed some of the consistency of daily ritual for summer plans. While I have longed for a return to some of what the pre-pandemic world had to offer, I have found that my introverted self adapted to the slower rhythm that my life during COVID brought. I have noticed that when I am not showing up for my day-to-day meditations through this busier season, anxiety, sadness, and distractedness creep in. When I take the time to notice, those unpleasant feelings are actually an invitation for me to return to those spiritual practices. Eventually, I trust that I always find my way back to what works for me.

We have all had to adapt to some extent and will continue to be asked to practice flexibility and to welcome uncertainty. This is challenging, and while many of us look forward to occupying physical spaces again, we must know and accept that many plans remain tentative. While the story of my baby blanket is a light-hearted, personal tale of a far simpler time in my life, I feel it illustrates the way that even small changes can bring up some big feelings, at any age. Sharing and receiving stories of childhood also reminds us that each one of us was born innocent, vulnerable, and impressionable. When I remember that, patience and compassion come more easily.

May we slow down enough to understand why even the most subtle difficult feelings are coming up. I pray that we have the compassion to understand that growing pains manifest in a whole variety of ways. Give us the strength and presence to sit with fear and uncertainty, allowing us to become more comfortable with it.

…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, Wednesdays, 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

 

August Schedule for children and youth to look forward to:

Come join us outside at UUFM or on Zoom a few last times before the new church year! We will break out the tie-dye again plus a few other materials at our outdoor dates in August. Siblings and parents of CFD / Youth Group kids are encouraged to join in the fun in-person too.

I am looking forward to reconnecting after a needed break from our typical online programming.

  • Saturday, August 14th, 1-3pm – Youth Group in-person with Lee and Macey
  • Sunday, August 15th, 11:30am-12:30pm – CFD via Zoom with Macey and Danielle
  • Wednesday, August 18th, 6:30-8pm – Youth Group via Zoom (Zoom Escape Room created by Anika) with Barb and Macey
  • Saturday, August 21st, 1-3pm – CFD in-person with Deb and Macey
  • Sunday, August 22nd, 11:30am-12:30pm – Youth Group via Zoom with Lee and Macey