31 March 2024
The crownless again shall be king
30 March 2024
27 March 2024
26 March 2024
23 February 2024
27 January 2024
If, by Rudyard Kipling
24 January 2024
13 January 2024
08 January 2024
When Life Feels Far from What You Imagined, by Joshua Becker over at "Becoming Minimalist"
When Life Feels Far from What You Imagined
by Joshua Becker
Life never fully goes as planned. In fact, nobody escapes unscathed as the old saying goes.
But sometimes, the trials and pains of life throw us so far from the life we dreamt for ourselves, it is difficult to find our bearings.
For any number of reasons, within or outside our control, life unfolded in ways we never anticipated and we find ourselves navigating through a reality we never desired‚ or in some cases, we'd never even wish upon our worst enemy.
We were unexpectedly given a painful health diagnosis, experienced the loss of a child, lost a marriage we fought hard to save, felt the brunt of an economic downturn, or suffered firsthand the devastation from a natural disaster.
For whatever reason, the life we live today feels far from the life we imagined for ourselves. Maybe, living isn’t even the word we'd use to describe our circumstances—surviving might be the best we can muster.
Sometimes the present trials and circumstances are a result of our actions—but not always. Sometimes our circumstances are no fault of our own. And sometimes they occurred quickly, while other times they slowly built over time.
Regardless, they have become the life we are presently living.
If that is you today, living a life far from what you imagined, I want you to know that you are not alone. You are not the only one suffering. You are not forgotten. I see you and feel for you and love you. And if that is all you need to hear today, then I hope it encourages you.
But I also want you to know that while life might not look like what you imagined, it still holds potential for growth, impact, fulfillment, and meaning.
If you are breathing today, life still holds opportunity. And you need to believe that. Because you’ll never take steps toward joy until you believe they are possible.
No matter your age, your health, your surroundings, or your circumstances, the rest of your life can be lived intentionally for your good and the good of those around you.
I’m not here to tell you the road will be easy. If it was, you would have already found it. But it does exist. So hold your head up high.
If your life feels far from what you imagined, here are some truths and practices to help you reignite hope:
Recognize and Embrace the Now
This present moment, no matter how imperfect, is your life and it is where your life is happening. There’s no joy to be found in thinking it is different than it is. So, embrace it as true. But remember, embracing the now doesn't mean giving up on the future; it only means recognizing the value of today.
Understand the Power of Choice
While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we always have a choice in how we respond. This involves discerning between what is within our power to change and what we must learn to accept. But there are always factors we can control, our attitude for example. And that should never be overlooked.
Seek Joy in Simplicity
In difficult circumstances, the need to find joy in simple, everyday moments is even more important and can be incredibly grounding. Whether it's the warmth of the sun, a conversation with a friend, a pain-free afternoon, the laughter of a child, or a good book, these simple joys remind us of hope and joy.
Cultivate Gratitude and Positivity
There is always, always, always something to be grateful for. Even when life is far from what we envisioned, there are aspects of it for which we can be grateful. Basing our expressions of gratitude on changed circumstances will never bring them about. We must look, purposefully and intently every day, for reasons to be grateful.
Work Harder at Connections
Human relationships are a great resource in times of hardship. Reaching out for support and offering it in return creates a network of empathy and understanding, reminding us that we are not journeying alone. But this is harder for us to do when we feel our life has become something we wish it wasn’t. Humility and love can bring you back. So make that phone call today.
Dissolve Envy with Encouragement
It can be hard to celebrate the successes of others when we feel life has treated us unfairly. Work hard to not allow jealousy or envy to take root in your heart or relationships. Work to dissolve it by cheering and encouraging others instead.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be gentle with yourself. Recognize that feeling overwhelmed or disheartened is a natural response to life's trials. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a dear friend.
Try Something New
If the old foundations on which you built your life have fallen away, look for a new foundation. Turn to faith or lean into the support of a close-knit community group, neighborhood, or club.
Pursue Personal Growth
Every remaining day is an opportunity for growth. And while your life may never become what you imagined it to be, engaging in activities that promote self-discovery and personal development will help you begin to re-imagine what the rest of your life can still become.
The world can be cruel. And life will always be unpredictable and complex. Your present journey may not be the one you wanted, but it is yours. And you are still important.
01 January 2024
Five Helps for the New Year given one year by Bishop Michael Ramsey to his clergy
18 December 2023
Annunciation to Mary, Rainer Maria Rilke
Annunciation to Mary
by Rainer Maria Rilke
The angel’s entrance (you must realize)
was not what made her frightened. The surprise
he gave her by his coming was no more
than sun or moon-beam stirring on the floor
would give another, — she had long since grown
used to the form that angels wear, descending;
never imaging this coming-down
was hard for them. (O it’s past comprehending,
how pure she was. Did not one day, a hind
that rested in a wood, watchfully staring,
feel her deep influence, and did it not
conceive the unicorn, then, without pairing,
the pure beast, beast which light begot, — )
No, not to see him enter, but to find
the youthful angel’s countenance inclined
so near to her; that when he looked, and she
looked up at him, their looks so merged in one
the world outside grew vacant, suddenly,
and all things being seen, endured and done
were crowded into them: just she and he
eye and its pasture, visions and its view,
here at the point and at this point alone:-
see, this arouses fear. Such fear both knew.
From The Life of Mary by Rainer Maria Rilke – From Selected Work, Vol. II Poetry, translated by J.B. Leishman, Hogarth Press, © 1960.
06 December 2023
The Dalai Lama on limit-setting
Back in the fall of 1990, the Dalai Lama visited my hometown, Middlebury, Vermont, for a symposium on "Spirit and Nature," which featured leaders and scholars from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim world views. The question of how religion and spirituality might aid (or block) an environmental ethic was an important one then, and (it could be argued) the issue is even more important today. I had the pleasure of going to all the sessions, while on a break from my senior year in college. There is a book that was produced with transcripts from all the presentations and there is also a video that was produced by Bill Moyers by the same name, "Spirit and Nature."
I was excited to find this short clip (1 minute) on YouTube of an interchange between Moyers and the Dalai Lama about where reverence for the environment (in this case a mosquito) might have boundaries. What I find most wonderful about this interchange is not only the Dalai Lama's rich practice of his 'belief,' but also his wonderful spirit of humor, lightness, and playfulness ... check it out HERE. (Oh, and whoever loaded it on YouTube called it "the Dalai Lama kills a mosquito," however, it seems that isn't quite accurate...but I don't want to spoil the punchline...)
Do check it out; priceless.
05 December 2023
Plagiarizing Buechner
04 December 2023
Advent Credo
Allan Boesak
Advent Credo
It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;
It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.
It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.
It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—
This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.
It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.
So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.
Allan Boesak (born 1946) is a South African pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church, politician, anti-apartheid activist, and author of fifteen books. This poem is taken from his book Walking on Thorns (Eerdmans, 1984), and is often but wrongly attributed to Daniel Berrigan.
Posted November 2023 on "Journey with Jesus" website
02 December 2023
01 December 2023
Application
Dear Church: “Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications. I've been a preacher with much success and also have had some successes as a writer. Some say I'm a good organizer. I've been a leader most places I've been. I'm over 50 years of age and have never preached in one place for more than three years. In some places, I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any real wrongdoing. My health is not too good, through I still accomplish a great deal. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. I've not gotten along well with religious leaders in the towns where I have preached. In fact, some have threatened me, and even attacked me physically. I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have baptized. However, if you can use me, I promise to do my best for you." ~ The Apostle Paul
24 November 2023
23 November 2023
22 November 2023
22 October 2023
A Litany for the Holy Land
For use on October 17, 2023, a day of fasting and prayer, called by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem
God of Love, you created all people as one family and called us to live together in justice, harmony and peace.
Surround us with your love as we pray for the Holy Land. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer
God of Righteousness, who demands that our worldly governors take up their responsibility to protect those in their charge and uphold the dignity of all human beings, pour your wisdom into the leaders of this world [especially Benjamin Netanyahu, the leaders of Hamas, and Joe Biden].
For all who bear such responsibility, that they may put the good of the whole over their own greed for power, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Compassion, who even in the darkest times, shows us your path: we give you thanks for all those who in the face of crisis wrought by evil-doers, work to help the helpless, to hold out hope to the desolate, to speak for the voiceless and to bring understanding and knowledge to a world darkened by ignorance and hate.
For our siblings who risk much to aid others, that their actions may be successful and their words may be heard, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Mercy, who binds up the wounds of those who suffer, bless the victims of the consequences of fear and hate in the last week and over the past 75 years of conflict in the Holy Land: those injured and traumatized, those bereaved and grieving, those held as captives and prisoners, those who face deprivation and desperation because of systems of violence and oppression, so that they may move forward in this life standing firm in your truth and avoiding the temptation of vengeance.
For all whose lives are forever marked by suffering, that they may be blessed with the hope of your presence, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Life, whose faithfulness to us in never-ending, we remember before you those who have died by the violence that has become shockingly routine in your Holy Land; receive them into your heart where they may know the peace and joy of eternal life in you.
For all who have died, that they may rest in that place where pain is no more, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God of Justice, who calls us to uphold the dignity of every human being, every child of this earth, beloved of you: empower your Church to help you heal this terrible cycle of violence and revenge; give us courage to rise above our fear that nothing can be done in the face of the conflict and chaos of our own creating; grant us the conviction to advocate for change and to work for the establishment of your peace, your shalom, your salaam, in this broken world.
For your dream of justice and peace on earth, and for us, that we may take up your call to build it, Lord, in your mercy,
HEAR OUR PRAYER.
All this we pray in the name of the One who offered his life so that we might live, Jesus the Christ. AMEN.
21 October 2023
Jane N. Garrett, 1935-2023 Middlebury, Vermont
Jane N. Garrett, 1935-2023
Middlebury, Vermont
October 19, 2023
JANE N. GARRETT
MIDDLEBURY — Jane N. Garrett died peacefully on Oct. 12, 2023, at her home at EastView in Middlebury, Vt. Born on July 16, 1935, Jane was the daughter of Edna Davidson Nuckols and D. Elwood Nuckols of Smyrna, Del.
After attending schools in Delaware, Jane earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Delaware. Her marriage in 1957 to Wendell D. Garrett ended in divorce in 1973.
From 1957-68, Jane held administrative positions at the Boston (Mass.) Athenaeum Library. From 1967-2011, Jane worked mainly from Vermont as an editor for the publisher Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. in New York City, where eight books she edited won Pulitzer Prizes in history. Books Jane edited also won two National book Awards, eight Bancroft Prizes in history, and more than 50 other awards and prizes.
During her publishing career, Jane also lived a full life of ministry in the Episcopal Church. Ordained a priest in the Diocese of Vermont in 1981, Jane served the parish of St. Stephen’s Church in Middlebury as assistant from 1981 to 1987. From 1973-2003, she was very active in the church on the Diocesan and national levels, serving on commissions and committees concerned with peace, justice, and sexuality.
In 1973, Jane spent a year in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) doing adult literacy work, helping develop a program to publish books for new adult readers; then, before she returned home, trained African teachers to carry on that work.
In 1997, Jane was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by Middlebury College. In 1999, the University of Delaware awarded her its Medal of Distinction, “the highest medal awarded by the University… in recognition of cultural/intellectual/scientific achievements.”
Memorial gifts may be made in Jane’s name to Homeward Bound, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, Vt., 05753; or to Elderly Services, Inc., 112 Exchange St., Middlebury, Vt., 05753.
A memorial service and celebration of Jane’s life will take place at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Middlebury at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.
28 September 2023
R. Peter Nessen, 55, formerly of Middlebury
R. Peter Nessen, 55, formerly of Middlebury
HAVERILL, Mass. — The family of R. Peter Nessen mourns his passing on Aug. 31, 2023, at the age of 55. Peter leaves so many who love him fiercely and deeply and who will miss him terribly. He is mourned by his wife, Suzanne Gilligan; daughter, Grace Nessen-Gilligan; mother, Kathy Nessen; father, Richard Nessen; sisters, Pam Karlin, Annie Nessen, and Abigail Nessen Bengson; as well as his brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and niblings, and a loving, large extended family. His many friends and colleagues from every stage of his life are also joined in sorrow at the loss of a wonderful man.
Peter graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1986, where he cultivated lifelong friendships with both fellow students and teachers who appreciated his keen intelligence, his love of debate, his baritone voice in the chorus, and his performances in drama productions. He was part of a champion Scholars’ Bowl team and his hilarious co-hosting of basketball games showed that even guys who march to their own drummer have school spirit.
Peter followed his love of mathematics to Vassar College where he received a B.A. in 1990. There, again, he made friends for life who still fondly remember his tweed jackets, love of James Taylor, hopeless romanticism, and that he was a loyal friend you could always, always call on for support.
Peter’s love of spirited argument and deep commitment to issues won him a reputation as a lovable, caring curmudgeon. Although he considered a career in mathematics, no one who knew him was surprised when he pursued a career in law — graduating from Boston University School of Law in 1996. While his family were all delighted with his diploma, they knew the best thing about law school for Peter was meeting the love of his life, Suzanne Gilligan. Performing together in Legal Follies, the annual law student musical revue, it was clear they were made to be together. In 1997, they married by candlelight in a church darkened by an electrical storm, a dramatic start to a wonderful life. Suzanne’s multi-lingual, energetic, world-traveling, and loving heart met Peter’s faithful, stay-at-home, hilarious and just soul and they made a beautiful life together traveling, doing puzzles, taking Grace to Disney, and reading one another to sleep.
Peter started as a Law Clerk for a federal judge (D., Mass.) in Boston, and then he and Suzanne moved to Chicago. Their daughter Grace was born there in 1999, and she has been their greatest pride and joy. Soon after her birth, they came to Vermont so Peter could work in a law firm from 1999-2000. Peter was then a Staff Attorney for the US Court of Appeals in D.C. and then spent 20 years as a Senior Attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor, where he was valued for being undefeated in OSHA and MSHA hearings and for his stellar and successful representation of the Department in a variety of cases and disputes.
Peter is remembered as a deeply loyal person whose absolute integrity occasionally made him grouchy with the world as it is and whose affectionate nature and humor always pulled him back to the lighter side. He was kind-hearted but did not suffer fools (or unfairness) in silence. He was a life-long Red Sox fan who rode the waves and ups and downs of any true BoSoxer with passion, despair, and annual hope. He liked a glass of red wine. He loved a day in a comfortable chair — but would give up his seat to a dog or a little kid. And he had plans to return to Alaska where he felt a sense of deep peace.
Peter beat Hodgkins as a young man and died after complications following treatment for another cancer diagnosed only recently. While he is mourned, there is much to celebrate about such a man. A celebration of life for Peter will be held in Middlebury at the Bridge School on Exchange Street at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28.
Cards of condolence can be sent to any of his family members at 63 Seymour Street, Middlebury, VT 05753. The family would be particularly glad to hear stories about Peter from those who knew him.
Dedicated donations to honor his memory may be made to the Bridge School Math Program at 1469 Exchange Street in Middlebury, Vt. Peter personally worked with school founder Kathy Nessen to make (and even develop) many of the original math materials and games used there. Or, The ACLU, The Innocence Project, or the Southern Poverty Law Center in acknowledgement of Peter’s abiding dedication to the abolishment of the death penalty.