Well, in Whoville they say, that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day.
-Dr. Seuss
Stretching My Heart                

Your grief for what you've lost lifts a mirror
up to where you are bravely working.
Expecting the worst, you look, and instead,
here's the joyful face you've been wanting to see.
Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes.
If it were always a fist or always stretched open,
you would be paralysed.
Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding,
the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated
as birdwings.
-Rumi, as translated by C. Barks

I'm a cat person. Always have been. When I was a little girl, our first kitten was Sugar, then Ralph, and it goes on. As a young adult, my husband came into the marriage with two cats. I'm even in a Facebook group called Clergy With Cats (we don't do much other than share our lives and ministries through our cats--it's quite soothing). 

So it's been unsettling for me that for the last year or so my spouse has been pushing to get a dog. A puppy to be exact. At first I thought I could simply say no and he'd let go. But he kept on. And on. And now the puppy will be joining us this week. 

I suppose my real fear is that this will upset my routine, disrupt my schedule, be an impediment on my ability to get things done. Just before Christmas, my dear pal (a dog owner) encouraged me to be like the Grinch and stretch my heart. 

It's been my practice to watch the Grinch and see myself as one of the Whos in Whoville. Now I am the Grinch and am having a hard time. My spouse is  plowing ahead as  he connects with a whole new group of people who love dogs. I am coming up way behind, but willing. 

As my routine is overturned, I am feeling the "contracting and expanding" and feel gratitude that life allows me to do so. 


Are there ways right in front of me that invite me to stretch my heart wide?
The Living Tradition

Women's March January 19, 11am
UUFD will co-sponsor our local version of the National march, beginning at the Train Station (gather at 10:30) and ending with a rally at Buckley Park. Carry signs, wear your shirts, come represent! 

Snowdown Float Construction Party!
Get all the "deets" here to help make our float one that really stands out. Snowdown parade is Feb. 1st at 6pm. Be there! 

Come Sunday

We will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. by listening to his words, his wisdom, and taking seriously how we might apply it to our lives.
 

UUFD will be a great place to be. 
ALWAYS in the love,              Rev. Katie 

Unitarian Universalst Fellowship of Durango | 970.247.1004 | durangouu.org 
 419 San Juan Dr. | Durango CO 81301
"a home for liberal religion, spiritual exploration, working for justice"