“Anything less than a conscious commitment to the important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant.” – Stephen Covey
Discipline and commitment, to some, might sound like stifling, serious words. I will admit that during much of my life, I have struggled to be consistent in my disciplines. It was not always modeled for me and did not seem to come naturally through my younger years. I wondered if, as a creative, intuitive person, that I simply was not cut out for consistent ritual. The last year has given me the opportunity to slow down and consider the way that my everyday habits might finally shape and grow who I am becoming long-term. This takes me showing up when I do not feel like it, and at the end of the day, that kind of will power has become an important, empowering step for me. Showing up consistently to write and move has opened me up to greater ease, deeper insight, and even more light-hearted playfulness in my everyday practices.
It dawned on me recently the way that committing to ourselves and committing to our community truly is inextricably linked. While I believe there are times when it is healthy and necessary to have boundaries that guide us to say no to people or to plans, I also believe that discerning about our commitments invites us to consider who we want to be and what our values are. We have been considering what is essential, and our spiritual practices may guide us to choose more consciously. We must stay grounded in our sense of self and deeply held beliefs to show up in a way that feels right among others.
May we continue to know, to grow, and to learn how to care deeply for ourselves. Let us be patient with ourselves, recognizing that our capacities vary. Allow our self-care to overflow so much that it extends to and inspires others. I pray that we are wise with our energy and commitments, sharing presence where it is most needed. Make our oneness known so clearly, that we remember how worthy and needed we all are. May the moments that we extend ourselves prove to be symbiotic.
Please know that I am 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
Youth Group: Our Youth Group meets tonight, Wednesday, March 3rd, from 6:30-8pm. We will begin the month of Commitment, with discussion, games, and some planning. As always, Zoom info will be emailed and posted to our private Facebook group.
Virtual Children’s Chapel: Our next Children’s Chapel will be held next Sunday, March 14th with Deb and Danielle. As always, Zoom info will be emailed and posted to our private Facebook group.