Each spring the ministers who make up the Soul Matters Sharing Circle create a list of monthly themes for the coming year. The theme chosen for this May was Thresholds. By happenstance, that turns out to be a most appropriate theme for the unexpected situation of this time. Stay-at-home orders in many locations are due to expire on April 30. May brings us to the threshold of more that is unknown about our personal and collective future.
Thresholds are typically transitions into the unknown. The tradition of carrying the bride over the threshold signifies the beginning of a new life, with much to be discovered between the two people who have chosen to make a solemn commitment to one another. Graduations often happen in May. Again, this signifies a time of leaving behind the known and stepping into a new future. In truth, our lives are made up of a continual series of transitions and thresholds.
During this extended period of time at home, I have tried to accomplish a few tasks that have been waiting on me for a long time. One was transferring an embarrassing number of photos from my laptop to an external hard drive, to make space for updates and downloads. Looking through the photos was a trip through years of life transitions. Each one probably prepared me for something else. And yet, the preparation does not mean that if I encounter a similar situation, I will be totally equipped. When someone who struggles with depression recovers and then later finds themselves there again, they don’t say, “Been there, done that,” as if they know exactly how to navigate the dark time. However, knowing they have recovered once may bring hope. And skills and behaviors may have been learned, which will support healing.
As we stand on the threshold of completely unexplored territory, may we discover deep within ourselves resources we’ve developed through the many liminal spaces we have already passed, to support us in navigating between the time that was and what will be with strength and grace.
With Love and Hope,
Rev. Alice