I go on more walks than I used to before the pandemic. Each day, I walk past the same flowers, trees, and crops that continue to grow as we move further into spring. The rain always leaves behind a colorful array of weeds, in particular. Our dog Bowser loves running through the dandelions. I'm not sure what it is about them, but he moves through them like a bulldozer trying to weave in and out of blades of grass.
I've paid a lot more attention to dandelions than I used to before the pandemic. We have a patch growing through our front sidewalk. Sometimes I admire them- other times I pick them, and they quickly return. I have learned they are here to stay.
I just read the book,
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds
by adrienne maree brown. This was assigned through a continuing education initiative at Union Presbyterian Seminary. This opportunity brings together people in ministry who have a particular call to Christian Education- or what we at St. Paul's call "Faith Formation." I love how adrienne maree brown weaves together how to understand and develop strategy through lessons we can learn from the natural world. One image that she uses is that of the dandelion.
"The dandelion flower head can change into a white, globular seed head overnight. Each seed has a tiny parachute that allows it to spread far and wide in the wind. The entire plant has medicinal properties. Dandelions are often mistakenly identified as weeds, aggressively removed, but are hard to uproot; the top is pulled but the long taproot remains. Resilience. Resistance. Regeneration. Decentralization" (Emergent Strategy 46).
Found on adrienne's
blog
- "
dandelions don’t know whether they are a weed or a brilliance. but each seed can create a field of dandelions. we are invited to be that prolific. and to return fertility to the soil around us."
In these times, we are finding new ways of understanding what it means to be resilient- what it means to resist- how we regenerate- and within our communities, how we practice decentralization as we share responsibility and accountability.
Who is someone that you consider to be resilient?
What makes them resilient?
Honestly, there are times when I am tired of being resilient. I recognize that I need to rest- to soak up some sunshine- and to be present in moments. Perhaps resilience and rest are not antonyms? Perhaps they complement one another?
We all need time to recalibrate and to reconnect with our roots.
What are your roots?
How do you connect with your roots?
Where we focus our energy affects how we spend our time and how we ultimately feel, respond, and react. The direction of this energy can change according to each season. During this season, I find that I focus a lot on time with my spouse, with my dog, and on my computer- but, I mostly spend time on my computer.
Next week, I am taking a one week break from the Spiritual Focus e-mails, in particular. I have loved writing these and hearing from many of you all each week. My hope is to take a week to recalibrate and to plan for the summer which will include more programming than previous summers. The following week, I will return with
one "Spiritual Focus of the Week" sent on Monday mornings
and I hope that you will continue to engage with this written work.
I also hope that you all have some space to rest- to regenerate- to recognize your roots and to take care of yourselves.
I invite you to pray the collect for quiet confidence
found on page 832 of the Book of Common Prayer: O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
.
