March Reflections, 2021

Whatever you can do or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

GOETHE (POETIC TRANSLATION)

With the spring weather and more positive news of the pandemic’s trajectory, we have cause for hope. The Pagan festival of Ostara - the origin of the word Easter - celebrates new life at a point of balance where night and day are equal and Mother Nature is ready to burst forth with new growth.

It seems like a good time to look at our current commitments in a new light. Perhaps there are some which we want to shed, and other new goals or projects we’d like to take up. Some ideas have had to take a back burner, perhaps now is the time to dust off those dreams and recommit to them. When we make a true commitment to something - or someone - we are saying to the Universe: “This is who I am and where I want to be, help me in what I want to achieve”.

In the Christian tradition, we are in the season of Lent, a time for contemplation and reflection; a time to resist decadent urges and temptations. This month we look forward to a special service on 28 March to mark Palm Sunday. Of course, we are sad that our Chapel Choir will not be able to do one of their ‘big sings’ in remembrance of the jubilations at Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem. Instead we will join together with Unitarian congregations across the country for a celebration of hope and courage at the beginning of Easter week.