Chalice Lighting by Rima Snyder 

Unitarian Universalist Community Church

Santa Monica, California

March, 2007

 

This morning we all (at least in theory) got up an hour earlier than usual, a somewhat arbitrary concession to the busy schedules and routines of our modern world. Whenever I feel oppressed by the relentless march of time I remind myself that the cycle of the seasons, the rotation of the planets around the sun and the waxing and waning of the moon are a constant, unaffected by human civilization or concerns. It’s only since the industrial revolution that we began the widespread use of clocks and our obsession with making every minute count. It wasn’t really that long ago that people observed the sky and the natural world around them rather than their watches, or cell phones, to mark the passage of time.

 

At this time of year I’m aware of the imminent arrival of spring. Although it’s less dramatic here in temperate southern California than in other places, we can still feel the warm breeze, hear the trill of birdsongs and see the trees sprouting new buds. We can feel our connection to the wheel of the seasons. The days are getting longer and soon, at the spring equinox, the time of light and darkness will be equal. Pagan belief teaches that each has its place in the balance of energy. Now is the time to celebrate the return of the sun and the fertility of the soil.

 

Besides the fact that sunlight keeps us alive and makes the plants grow, it also lifts our spirits. We need to nurture our sense of wonder as well as our bodies. Emily Dickinson’s poem, “A Light Exists in Spring” seems to me to celebrate this magical time of renewal and transformation.

 

A light exists in spring 

Not present on the year 

At any other period. 

When March is scarcely here

 

A color stands abroad 

On solitary hills 

That science cannot overtake, 

But human nature feels.

 

It waits upon the lawn; 

It shows the furthest tree 

Upon the furthest slope we know; 

It almost speaks to me.

 

I’ve always found a great source of strength in the natural world. The other thing that sustains me through times of despair and difficulty is my community of friends. We are each a source of support for others. Through our actions, our acceptance of every person’s unique beliefs and their inherent worth, we create a safe haven. I’m grateful that here I have a place where I can be myself without fear.

 

I’ll close with these words of Albert Schweitzer:

 

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

 

blessed be