That smile on the outside's fading fast
Like the things that you thought for sure would last
But they didn't...
These words from Chicago’s 2006 song, “Feel,” struck a chord for those of us who were gathered at our “Service of the Longest Night” Thursday. It felt good to be in a supportive group that could be honest about how much it hurts when we lose what we never thought we would. Honesty is the beginning of the journey toward healing.
Our three reflections led us to begin by being honest with ourselves, then being honest with God, then finally taking Jesus seriously when he says we can let go of the heavy stuff weighing us down… and pick up a pack that will give us new meaning and purpose. So enter in, if you like, and see where these reflections and prayer-words take you: http://breadforyourjourney.blogspot.com/2009/12/reflections-and-prayers-service-of.html
What got your attention in those readings? Did anything get you thinking about your journey of healing, and where it can begin? Please feel free to put your thoughts into words by clicking on “comment” at the bottom of this post. Perhaps by the way can be a supportive community for you by “listening” to what’s going on with you this holiday season.
Those gathered at the Crowne last night had a rich discussion about how a song like Chicago’s Feel can give us permission to move out of numbness and just feel what we need to feel. And the Psalm 42 paraphrase got us into how we deal with God. What good things can happen when we just pour out to God all we are going through, even if it means spewing rage and doubt and neediness! And then when we’ve cried ourselves out, we can let God’s caring presence hold us and sing us through the night… that we might wake up with a new song and a new God-given energy.
The third reading actually inspired a burst of group laughter when one person pointed out that this version made it sound like Jesus was giving us an info-mercial! Here’s a more traditional version, if you like: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=128145967
After our discussion we had some time to roam around the room and experience God’s grace in a variety of ways: reading, chatting, making a remembrance chain, receiving healing oil… but by far the most memorable was partaking of the most gorgeous and delicious loaf of challah bread we’d ever seen (thank you, amazing baker Matthew!). And thank you, Jesus, our savior and friend, for being our bread, for feeding us with all you are.
We ended in a circle of candlelight, hearing some words from gospel-writer John about God’s light shining in our darkness, and singing Silent Night.
May you have some heavenly peace in your sleeping and your waking, as you navigate these last days before Christmas and beyond. May the light of Christ find its way into your soul and back out through you as you care for those around you.
Peace,
Kari
PS: I recommend the book A Decembered Grief by Harold Ivan Smith, if you or someone you love could use an inspiring and filled-with-practical-ideas resource for getting through sad holidays.
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