“Life is not a problem to be solved, but an experience to be had.” – Alan Watts
Today, I am celebrating 18 months of parenthood during quite the unseasonably warm December. Here in Minnesota, the temperatures in the forecast may be met with bittersweet feelings: joy, concern, relief, disappointment, ease, and anxiety, depending on a person’s perspective. I feel a little bit of all of those emotions through this season and recognize that much of life is like that. We do our best to welcome each, even though some are less comfortable than others, and focus on what is in our control. While I believe in our collective power, there is also something to be said about using our energy wisely during our relatively short lifespans here on Earth.
A way that one might conserve their energy is through taking the time to be present with the people we love. When I am truly present with my child, I am in awe of just how much delight and playfulness one small being can experience and inspire. Despite its inevitable challenges and the intensity of some moments, being in close relationship with children is a great gift. In return, I would like to give the gift of guaranteeing many good things for my child’s future (safety, justice, peace, a thriving environment), but almost all of them are out of my control. So, instead, I keep my sights set on what feels like the next right thing to do, whether the impact feels big or small. Sometimes that next right thing is to simply coregulate, as we play and laugh together.
Today and always, let us remember the words of Alan Watts, as we do what we can to impact our world in big, magnificent ways and let ourselves be truly alive with all of our personal experiences in between.
December Programming:
This Sunday, December 17th, there will be an intergenerational worship service and UU Christmas Pageant (if you’re curious what that looks like, here is a spoiler of what the script will essentially be: UU Christmas Pageant (Interactive and Social Justice-Themed) | WorshipWeb | UUA.org).
During our intergenerational pageant this Sunday, please consider bringing warm clothing and winter weather accessories to the chancel. This action will be prompted in our script. Following worship, items will be brought to Blue Earth County Library, where these items are freely shared with those in the community who may need them.
On Sunday, December 24th, our Christmas Eve service will take place in the evening at 8:00 pm.
NO SERVICE ON DECEMBER 31st
The rest of the month’s programming will consist of the following:
- Cancelled (sorry!): Thursday, December 14th 5-7pm: Youth Group Fire at Ganske’s (next door to UUFM) and Walk to Kiwanis
- Saturday, December 16th, 10am: Intergenerational Hiking at Flandrau State Park
Hosted by Lee and Macey. Because this location is a bit farther for Mankato-area residents, please know that carpooling is a possibility and note if that is a need or desire for you on the Breeze form.
RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/2cf88a37 - Wednesday, December 20th, 6:30-8pm: Intergenerational Art Journaling Group
Tea and popcorn to be served, with Deb and Macey
RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/b7a610