January 8, 2025
|
|
|
Dear Friend, Winter teaches us, and as most of the North American continent is experiencing the coldest temperatures thus far this winter, it’s a good time to learn what we can. Strong and consistent winds here in New England are making the single digit temperatures feel below zero. Snow squalls are common as even colder air forces moisture to crystallize and drift on the winds, especially over the frozen ponds. |
|
| It is nearly impossible to imagine that under the arctic exterior of this frozen surface there is still another world very much alive and active. Under the 5 inches of ice the plants are still growing, the fish are still swimming and billions upon billions of the tiniest animals and plants, called plankton, are providing a food source. Deep in the mud, like three feet down, there are frogs overwintering. Some turtles will also burrow in the mud but some remain active all winter under the ice. Read more about survival of New Hampshire aquatic life HERE Above the ice at 9 degrees and in the wind, the conditions are life-threatening, but below the ice, the conditions are life-giving for countless numbers of living plants and animals, even warm blooded ones like beaver, muskrat, river otter and mink. I often think about how we humans are one of the youngest species on the planet; nearly every other life form has been here WAY longer than we have and hence they are so much better equipped for survival. One advantage we have is that we can access sustenance through our spirits. We know that warmer, gentler weather will eventually come so we can take comfort in knowing that our present suffering is temporary. In our stronger moments, we may even welcome the extra challenge of extreme weather because it fosters gratitude for warmth, shelter, adequate clothing, and a deep abiding awe for how so many species survive such bitter cold. Wherever you are, stay warm and stay humble. May the lessons of winter inform us.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” -II Corinthians 4: 8-9 What We Care About We are a caring community, there is no doubt about that. Our partners through Monadnock Interfaith Project are asking for particular areas where we care most. Monadnock Interfaith Project seeks to facilitate systemic change that benefits our region. A few years ago, affordable housing was identified as a cause to tackle and now that the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is well into the planning stages, MIP is looking for the next area of focus. What is a local community problem or challenge that affects you, your family members, neighbors or friends? More broadly, feel free to share challenges that you feel strongly about. Sharing specific stories is helpful! We anticipate that this could be a very interesting experience to hear one another’s stories of challenge and concern. One of my colleagues posed the question, “What is breaking your heart?” Globally there are many possible answers, but what about right here in our own households and in our own community? So, Friend, please begin to consider what response you have to the query and please plan to come on the 19th so we can both listen to one another and share our perspectives if we so chose. We will also provide a way to submit in writing. Please keep Susan Stover in your prayers; she is “making great strides” her sisters say. She goes back to Dana Farber today for her Week One Check Up. God of all the seasons of our lives, I thank you for accompanying me in my life….through all the pleasantness and the unpleasantness, through health and illness, through plenty and through lack, I know I am not entirely alone. For glimpses of understanding, for moments of patience, for peace that often surpasses knowledge, I thank you. May I be a good Friend, a trusted Friend, an encouraging force in the lives of all I encounter. Like sunshine on a cloudy day, like warmth in the bitter cold, help me to reflect your love, light, compassion and grace. This I pray in this moment. Amen. ” Walk in a manner worthy of God’s calling, with all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, careful to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4: 1-3 With you in Spirit, Traceymay |