Today I start my first class in many years. A bit of anxiety fills my soul, because it will be a challenge, but one I am grateful for bringing into my life. It was my decision, and this year will be a new adventure. At almost 72 years old, it will take time for me to use my brain in a different way, but that is good. I am grateful for my friends, who are supportive, my husband-even though he wonders why I am doing this and not just gliding along in old age-and a place to come to with love streaming through the pages of the internet. May all be well. And on to my new adventure!

Yesterday a friend and I went to see the latest Star Wars movie. It was great, and very hope-filled. When my boys were very young, they loved the Star Wars movies….I think there were only two back then, and all their Christmas lists were filled with Star Wars toys…good memories as I remember those Christmas memories….anyway, I was struck by a few things….first of all, that a series of movies with an uplifting message is still very popular, even though it has some corny parts in it. Secondly, how absolutely obvious the message sprinkled around in that movie was….that you are not alone, and there are others who feel as you do, and doing what you consider your “little bit” has a real purpose and can help the greater cause…and then, of course, that it is the people who can save the Federation….very interesting…and very good……I am grateful I have a good friend-who at our advanced ages-is willing to go see a movie that is not in our age group…….
And I hear that the movie The Joker deals with mental illness…..have to take a look at that……

Our dog, Joy. Because she is such a joy in our lives. Through my life I have been grateful for all the animals that I have had in our homes, but this one, this one is special….whether it is because she is so well behaved and gentle, or because it is towards the end of my life, it doesn’t matter. She gives us both lots of love and is very patient. She is also still a puppy, so there are moments when her exuberance for life in the form of birds, bunnies, squirrels, or other dogs is there, even then she is a blessing…AND a challenge!

OH! That is easy….on Saturday, my grandson, his wife, and our great grandchildren came for a visit. That alone made my heart sing, but then there was a bonus!!! While I played with the boys-ages 3 and 4-the others made a light dinner of sandwiches and such….after dinner it was bath time and I got to do that too! What a blessing…..to read to them, watch them play with toys and listen to their hearts tell me what they were doing while playing….so wonderful and my heart is still singing! Then on Sunday we were able to watch a presentation our other grandchild gave at our local museum. He was one of the students in his class that put on a show of the VR games they had created. …..some in groups, some independently, and to see that creativity and dedication flow was inspiring. I am so grateful we are able to see the 13 year old, as well as the great grandchildren(the 3 and 4 year olds) and engage with them….we are truly blessed…….

My last reflection to share. I have struggled with the imagery of the Burning Bush, and the fire that does not consume. Finally, after some thought, I think this is what that means in my life.
>>The Question-Consider the burning bush metaphor. How might it change your life if you knew that you could be “on fire” and yet not be “consumed”?
>>>My Answer is a Rambling Reflection-
Spark. It is the Spark that starts the fire….there is always, at least to my knowledge, a Spark that starts a fire…Burning Bush lit with Fire…and that says to me life. A Flame to me is alive. Fire has two functions; to light up the night, or the Dark, and Warmth. It gives us Light and Warmth. When we say someone is on Fire, we mean they are filled with Passion and Life for something, or someone. Flames are usually not still or stagnant, they generate Energy and sometimes, can spread. Fire can cast Light into Dark areas, and bring those areas to Light. A Fire that does not consume would bring Life, Light, and Warmth to wherever it is….
To not be consumed means to me you will not be obsessed, but keep a healthy perspective. Having seen many who are “on fire” for certain causes, we can become overzealous and start to ‘own’ whatever it is, and this, to me, is not healthy. I know that probably isn’t what was meant by this statement, but after having lived through one of these causes where people become mere chattel, and it was ‘the cause’ that is the most important thing, this meaning is there for me….so, I guess that is being consumed…..to me anyway…..again, this is just a rambling reflection.
To be standing beside the Burning Bush, and not step close to the Flame means I won’t risk being hurt. Or failing. It also means I won’t be contributing. I will be existing, and not living. I will be on Sacred Ground, but not in the very life of it…I will be an observer. Through my life, I have stepped into the Flame, and out of the Flame. I believe we have a choice…to either step in or out of the flame. I have done both.
I am moving into a new phase of my life, and am not content to just be an observer, or be afraid to fail, or worse, get hurt. It is worth the risk, this thing I am going to do, so I won’t be standing on the side of the Burning Bush, but will approach it with full knowledge of what I am doing, and reverently walk in with all my might. Getting hurt or failing is all right, because it is part of being alive. I know that now. If someone condemns me because I make a mistake, I will understand that it is human to make mistakes. And I will continue to learn, and stay in the Flame.
I will stand in the Fire of the Burning Bush, and will not be consumed, and I will allow the gifts of Light and Warmth to touch and envelope me.
And lastly, I bow to you Brother David and David Whyte, for giving us the gift of….yourselves and your Wisdom.