From Hart to Hearts
A Message from Rev Linda Hart for the months of July and August 2011
It’s the year of sponsored athletic endeavours for us, or at least the month. Back at the end of May, I ran my 10K sponsored race. On 10 June, Claire and I walked the circumference of Richmond Park for a sponsored walk to raise funds for an outdoor classroom.
If you don’t remember 10 June off the top of your head, it was the day that threatening black clouds poured down buckets of rain while enlivening the day with ample thunder and lightning. It wasn’t the best weather to be out in the middle of Richmond Park, that was for sure. Even so, we went the whole distance, 8 miles around the Park and back to the Vineyard school.
That afternoon I sat and wrote a prayer/poem as a part of a new spiritual practice I’ve adopted. This is what I wrote:
Joy in What is Hard
60 children, a handful of parents, and a couple of teachers. 8 miles of a sponsored walk.
We set out
high spirits
energy,
nearly running.
It was too easy.
The park was beautiful
the weather,
mild.
Until:
Wind.
Dark clouds.
Rain
and
rain
and
rain.
Still the way spilled
out joy
Splashes
in the muddy water
Bedraggled hair
a badge of honour.
The steps
seemed light
for most
wet
but
undaunted.
Others turned back.
Went the
quick way home
But we
persisted
fuelled by
bland biscuits
and the
unfailing
good spirits
of our leaders.
Laughter
carried us
Nothing so
stern as
Commitment.
Only the light
joy of
going the distance —
wet, sore feet
soggy jackets and trousers
And finally
the sight of the school gate,
open
waiting just for us.
This night my
prayer:
that I may
make my
journey
filled with
light
laughter
and joy.
No matter
the weather.
As we prepare for the summer with its attendant travels and holidays and slower pace – I mean, how could we do anything when so few people are around? – I wish for you all a journey filled with good companionship. I hope that you find joy in going the distance, and an open gate to welcome you wherever you may wind up. Our British summers do demand from us that we carry on, no matter the weather. May you bear that demand, not with Commitment, but with laughter and light.
Happy Summer, one and all,
Linda
Prayer for July/August
PRAISE PRAYER BY KATHY A. HUFF
Praise the sun, the moon, the stars,
Praise the ant, the tree, the shining leaf.
Praise every child large and small,
Praise the one within us all. . .
You can find the complete prayer here on the UUA website.