Rev Charli Tupper

I remember the first time I heard that all new beginnings start with an ending.  There is something we are saying goodbye to when we begin something new.  As we come to the end of one year, with all that it brought our way– the joys, the challenges, the ups and the downs– it is vital that we acknowledge what has transpired for us without getting caught in judgment.  Judgement shows up in a variety of ways.  It shows up as blaming someone else for something we perceive is not going the way we would like it to.  It shows up as regret for perceived missed opportunities.  It shows up as disappointment that we did not achieve more.  If we listen closely, we may hear judgment as projections of who we think we should be in the future.  It is this judgment that I want to address today.

A common practice for the new year is to make a resolution.  I’m going to lose that ten pounds.  I’m going to exercise more.  I’m going to take more time for myself.  I’m going to meditate more consistently.  Each of these comes from a judgment that if we were to do that, we would then be good, lovable, and closer to God.  The truth is, non of these will make you any more lovable or closer to God. You already are lovable by your very nature. Each of us is on the path that we are intended to be on, and are in just the perfect space for what our souls wish to create at this time.  When you let go of trying to be more spiritual, more loving, kinder, more organized, more creative, you make room for your authentic god-self to show up in the world.  This will feel awkward at first, and the ego will try to engage you in a way that pulls you back into thinking less of yourself.  This is when you are invited to lovingly let go again.

I remember when I was first learning to meditate.  I was taught that as my mind wandered, just gently bring my focus back to my breath, or sacred word.  The key here is gently.  Not giving it a lot of attention or creating a story around why my mind wandered or how to prevent my mind from wandering.  Just gently bring it back in awareness.  This is how we are called to live life.  How much energy would we have if we let go of judging ourselves from some artificial scale that is only in our own mind?

As you bring this year to a close, listen within your heart to what naturally wants to express through you.  Allow yourself to be fully present for a few moments with this feeling.  In your mind, give yourself permission to release all that you believe that is not in alignment with this expression.  Breathe into it, feel it, and when you notice that your mind has wandered gently bring your focus back to this feeling.

God is every where every when present expressing as faith, hope, and love throughout all creation.  May this New Year be one of a conscious awareness of this Power-Presence active in, through, and as your life.