Here's the Friday Five meme from Rev Gal Pals. Great Lent theme, provided by Dorcas, on the movement from darkness to light and an invitation to blog or journal your own thoughts on this theme...
Though I [Dorcas] am from a non-liturgical denomination, I find myself longing for some of the expressions others of you may experience at this time of year. The same thing happens to me during Advent. At both times I am drawn to the symbolism of darkness becoming light, of longing turning to joy. One of my favorite thngs at this time of year used to be draping the wooden cross at the rear of our sanctuary with a dark purple velvet cloth and adding a crown of (ouch!) thorns--and what a lovely thing it was to see that same cross on Easter Sunday morning, draped in glowing white with a golden, jewel-studded crown added. Not being a pastor this year, I am missing some of the symnbolism I always tried to employ. I may find a nearby Episcopalian or Lutheran congregation to visit at some point, acually.
Meanwhile, today I am asking for your thoughts on that movement from darkness to light. Tell us five ways in which you are anticipating, or your life is moving towards light, joy, hope--new things: new ideas, new hobbies, new people...and so on"
Seems a tall order! and one worthy of reflection now that i've posted this.
As with the weather change, i'm hoping that "the winter is past"! having had three deaths within one month, i sincerely hope i'm moving toward 'spring'! from some very deep darkness to some recognizable light! or joy or enjoyment! i've been worn thin with the losses...
another new thing for me is the extension of my writing. a door has opened by way of a new magazine, "CAST". publication of Elation Press and premiering in one week, it carries my words to a new world of readers. and from there, where? new for me and entirely light, joy and hope filled! in itself a resurrection of a longheld dream...
a third new experience of light has been participation in a colleague's praise service. Held once per month, it is joy filled as scripture promises, "in My Presence is fullness of joy"! i not only drink deep of the joy, i am ministering in prayer for others lives and needs as an outflow of the infill. beautiful to participate in another's resurrection!
fourth, this same colleague has requested i introduce the parish to Fresh Expressions of Church as i experienced in the Mission Shaped Ministry course. i am delighted to do so. i anticipate a new movement of resurrection in this introduction of seeing and being church in new ways. this opportunity provides opportunity for light and life coming to the people through the fresh breath of Holy Spirit upon and within them.
fifthly, the freedom of getting outdoors once again! dry pavement, safe walking, relaxing in the sunshine outdoors. life minus parka, toque, scarf, mitts, boots... YES! freedom. living lite!
thanks, Dorcas, for a thoughtful prompt. it's been good reflecting on the resurrection of life in my life. how about your own reflections? what newness might you be anticipating? experiencing?...
6 comments:
This is a good post. My light is to bring it to those living in a nursing center who have lived in darkness for a long time or might even feel that now they are living in darkness. I hope to spread the light of God's word to them to give them a hope and a future in heaven with Christ Jesus.
My less important light is waiting for God to bring a buyer to my home and provide a new home to us in a location where I can walk to all my favorite spots. God Bless You for this post.
You may read about mine on my post today ... Lovely write & thought provoking.
Have a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
FUN GIVEAWAY ends 4/10
I love all of your energy,what a blessing. I will have to ponder on my answers to your question. I just pray that my light will shine when I least expect it to.
Blessings,
Ginger
Very good post. I've never even attended a service at a liturgical church. I think to do so would be very edifying. As I've gotten older and my hubby is no longer a pastor, I find that one of the best ways I can let my light shine is through blogging, especially through
Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings,
Charlotte
I think through the years the shining of my light has shifted. The mothering years my light shone on the children I raised. Now it shines through my writing, classes and speaking times. Hopefully it shines whevever I go.
Blessings!
Pamela
I'm sorry for your losses and can understand why you're ready to "step into the light!" Congrats on your new writing opportunity! I know God will use you to bless many.
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