A Message From Our Minister,

Rev. David W. Elliott

Reaching for the Light

 When I was young, the coming of Spring meant several things.  First, it meant that we could go barefoot again, there on the coastal plain of southeast Texas.  It meant the school-sponsored class Easter Egg Hunt was approaching, an event you don’t find in public schools anymore.  It meant that we could look forward to a few days off around Easter, although it wasn’t called Spring Break at the time.  And it reminded us that before the end of the school year, we would make our annual field trip, probably to the zoo, because it was free.

 Now, as winter releases its grip on western Washington, flowers will soon begin to bloom, tree branches will form buds that will turn into blossoms or leaves, and fresh grass will begin to sprout.  It is a time of year that is inherently life-affirming, and I take great pleasure in noting the changes from day to day and week to week.

 The season reminds us of the inherent life-force that is within us (as it is within all creation), perhaps waiting until the right moment to bloom and to prompt growth beyond our imagining.  This may come in the form of a physical healing, prosperity demonstration, deepened understanding, or a sense of satisfaction and peace.  Or, it may come in a closer realization of the presence of God.  Spring truly awakens us to the capacity we all have for transformation, whether that comes first in our prayer life or in another arena of activity.

 It is worth noting that what triggers the sprouting of grass and blossoms is not the amount of warmth.  What triggers the growth is light.  Since late December, the amount of sunlight has been increasing daily, and each plant has its own threshold at which it reawakens and begins to grow, to reach for the light.  The sun’s light has been constant, but the angle and attitude of the earth have limited its ability to reach the earth through the winter.

 The effect of the sun on the earth in Spring is not unlike the effect of spiritual light on our spiritual consciousness.  We need the light of God, that invisible yet tangible radiant presence that is always within us and around us.  Unlike the earth, however, our reawakening is not automatic.  We can choose to limit our awareness of God’s presence in our lives, closing our minds and hearts to its gentle, nurturing, healing nature, and we can go on that way for a long time.  Or, we can reach for the light, and reflect it in all that we think, do, and say.

 May we all allow the coming of Spring and the approach of Easter to transform us, to trigger us to turn our spiritual eyes to the ever-present light and love of God, and may we all bloom beautifully and abundantly.

 Richest blessings,

 David