Reflection: Celebrated my 56th birthday this week. It was a quiet family affair after my 5-hour drive home from the coast. Bill, Angus and I ate takeout barbeque ribs and stuck a candle in a delicious lemon icebox pie. Angus loves the candle bit and helps to blow it out no matter whose day it … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – April 14th, 2023
When my Liam was young and full of youthful energy, I found myself calling out frequently as I struggled to catch up, “Walk, Liam! Gentlemen walk indoors.” I still call to our lovely, exuberant young people, “Walk, Dear Ones. The Beloved Community walks indoors.” It’s more UU and less binary. What would Easter be without … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – April 7th, 2023
Our older son Liam has been home for spring break this past week. It is wonderful to have him home and see and talk with him everyday. He is a pleasant, intelligent, kind, and funny fellow! I am reminded of learning about “Family systems theory.” Everyone in the family is a moving part of that … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 24th, 2023
Ever had to drive in the rain without windshield wipers? I did yesterday when mine gave out on the 4-lane between Baker and Andalusia. I slowed down to 40 mph and crept along while vehicles sped past me, and there was a certain annoying irony to my observation that my rear window was perfectly clear! … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 17th, 2023
I officiated at a wedding yesterday. It was a charming garden setting and while it had rained earlier in the day, by the time the bridal party were making their way down the gravel aisle, the sun was shining and there was an inspiring freshness to the air. The bride and groom had, with a … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 10th, 2023
This is an exciting time in the life of our congregation! Our leaders have plans and now they watch eagerly for the members and friends to support those plans with their financial commitments! Our President has outlined those exciting plans in her E-news letter and I am thrilled to support her and the Board as we … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – March 3rd, 2023
I have a cauldron, a very large, black, cast iron cauldron. I used to be able to squat down in it, but now, well . . . I found it in the woods when I was wandering around my grandparents’ property at age 13. It seemed absolutely huge in the chilly autumn air, filled with … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – February 24th, 2023
When I was Methodist, I offered an Ash Wednesday service. I found it spiritually useful to gather with other flawed human beings to remember that we are all mortal. I would burn the dried leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and mix them with a little olive oil. Then as my parishioners knelt or … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – February 17th, 2023
Here is a poem about finding welcome in a new community. The Stranger Seeks Love Did I reveal too much when you asked me how I am? Isn’t this a space where I can say my truth, Instead of just saying, ”Fine”? I am never really fine. Are you? My days are filled with disorienting … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – February 10th, 2023
It’s been almost a year since Russian forces invaded Ukraine. Unless you count the invasion and take-over of Crimea in 2014, which I do. They are now making bullet-proof vests and helmets for the children who are still living in the targeted towns. Tanks are on the way, fighter jets are under negotiation, and I … Continue reading Rev. Ruth’s Reflections – February 3rd, 2023
