Calvary ​United Methodist 

Church

​Thoughts for the Journey

​   ​I love this time of year! Everything about it! The rain showers, the multi tude of color, the crisp air, that feeling of change, yes every part of it. There seems to be a sense of urgency to accomplish things left undone because the New Year and new accomplishments are just around the corner. Now that I have completed my M.Div and driving to Boston multiple times a week, I am reclaiming some of my “go-to” habits that help me slow down this sense of urgency and allows me to focus on the tasks before me without mind scattering to what is on the horizon. I love to walk in the forest, along the beach, through the neighborhoods of Newport. Anywhere. Walking allows for observation in a slow appreciative manner. I see details that driving does not allow. I am back to these explorations and look forward to the show that fall puts on. One of the places I look forward to walking again is Weetamoo Woods in Tiverton, a series of paths, gentle to challenging along the Colonial 8 Rod Road. It is part of the 450-mile Pardon Gray preserve. I recommend it. There are ruins of homes built by emancipated slaves and an old mill. The sunlight dapples the ground, the birds sing, the area holds peace which is critical for all of us today. One of the last adventures with my granddaughter, Irelyn, and student ministry intern, Aurora, as September began was venturing into these woods. We ended up doing most of the five miles of trails (there are short circuits!). At one point, a bit tired and with 17 year old exasperation, my granddaughter whirled around and said, “Ima, do you have any idea where you are going!?!” Granted, we were all ready to get back to the car. Legitimate question. My answer was “I think so. So long as we go south, we will end up back at the parking area.” This statement was met with a look of incomprehension as if I was speak ing a different language. The short conversation that ensued revolved around how to tell where you are going by knowing the time of day and the position of the sun. (Yes, we stuck to this hemisphere in this discussion). Since it was about 4:00pm, they both learned that you keep the sun to your right and this will head you south. We eventually made it back to the parking area with a bit of reminder as to the position of the sun. Both girls learned, what I hope, is a valuable lesson in navigation in its simplest form. And it gave me pause to think... If I were to apply this to my faith journey, the question is, “what is my position in relation to the ‘Son’”? Am I navigating through life with this Son directing me? Through sacred text the writings about Jesus talk about following his life directives, standing beside our brothers and sisters, and leading others through the ups and downs with intent, trust and hope. No matter the direction we find ourselves going, God’s directives embodied in Jesus guides us with a light that does not set. With a light that does not pause. With a light that can never be extinguished. As the orb of the sun moves through our skies in the turning of the earth, the ordinance of the Son moves through the turning of our lives. Let’s set our eyes to the light of day and light of life so that we will always know where we are. 

Pastor Laurie