Reflection Quilt

Sometimes when I preach, I preach “quilt” sermons. I place several stories, scriptures, and experiences alongside each other. Instead of making a single point, the message is in the synthesis. That’s pretty much what my life looks like as well–a quilt of roles, responsibilities, experiences and relationships. The journey is the synthesis of those often-fragmented parts. As a person of faith, I hope my faith shows forth in that quilt.

So, here are quilt pieces for today’s reflection:

• Ash Wednesday– Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian tradition, the first day of Lent. Lent is a season of repentance and reflection that leads us toward the joy of Easter. When one receives ashes on the forehead the words spoken remind us, “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” It is a reminder of our own mortality and the precious gift of each day. All creation is formed from dust and our lives are but a moment in the universe. What would it look like to live each day fully?
• Transition– Our whole campus community is in a period of transition. The Board of Trustees have a “Transition Team.” As President Garren retires and President-elect Morrison-Shetlar comes to campus, we all know there will be change. Change makes us nervous. It too is a part of the human condition. So let’s just acknowledge that transition causes anxiety and fear of the unknown. It causes expectation, worry, sadness, hope, excitement and fret. What would it look like to trust fully that ALL will be well?
• Family– Our families of choice, those we share homes with, and our campus community all give us great joy and endless frustration. I often joke that when Jesus told us to love our neighbor that may be easier than loving those closest to us… or sometimes ourselves. Work/Life balance can be the most unbalanced stressor there is. What would it take to feel balanced in our choices about our time and energy?
• Mental Health– So many struggle with mental health that everyone is touched by it, whether you yourself struggle, family members, students or colleagues. The acuity of crises on campus is on the rise as well as the numbers of students seeking counseling. What does wholeness and wellness look like in our time?

No one has all of the answers. Our life quilts get rearranged and rarely have a traditional or orderly look. Maybe modern life will just be like this or maybe we can grab a glimpse from time to time of centeredness and joy, comfort in our own skins and our environments, a lack of stress and hope. May this be a time for you when you can reflect on all that is sacred to you in your life.

Blessings, Stephanie