We are about halfway through winter now. It’s hard to believe and demonstrates to me how quickly time goes. This isn’t to say that we will necessarily be seeing or feeling spring anytime soon—quite the opposite—but it does indicate that time does move at its own pace, whatever else is happening and however closely I pay attention or ignore it. How I’m thinking and feeling about time or weather doesn’t have much effect on how time or weather goes about its passing. But I might be able to have an effect, in real time, on those dealing with its effects.
One of the great things about living in a four season climate area is that I am reminded of this passage of time, whether I want to be or not, through these enduring cycles that long preceded me and will go on long beyond me. On Dial A Ride lately, almost everyone who gets on the bus remarks about the weather and how they do not like the cold. I realize it is just small talk, mostly, but it is also good to remind myself that there isn’t much I can say, do, or feel that does much about it. Except, of course, how my thinking and attitude about these things happening around me may make me feel worse or better. This is one instance where I think feelings certainly follow thoughts. Believing ourselves to be unhappy or dissatisfied with something like the weather could well result in being unhappy or dissatisfied. But reminding myself of such dissatisfaction doesn’t always end there.
This is why in the midst of the winter weather I think it is important to participate in FiveCap’s “Walk for Warmth” and do what I can for the Overground Railroad. These are both practical and effective efforts to make someone’s life more endurable during these winter months and offer help in frustrating political unrest. Sitting glumly or complaining will not do me any good. Taking action with FiveCAP and actually doing something so that someone in need has warmth during this difficult cold season is a good remedy to this passing time and weather. Helping those caught up in our difficult politics through the Overground Railroad can be a surprisingly easy thing to do. Despite the frustration we may feel we are able to be effective and have an impact on a person’s life, those caught up in events far surpassing my day to day encounters.
Winter is about half over now, but there’s still another half to go. The time will pass, and spring will be here before I know it. In the meantime, to help fill this time I have in the cold and snow and dark, I want to do what I am able to help those I am able to help. I am grateful to our Social Action Committee for bringing not only these needs to our attention, but also the actions and solutions. I look forward to doing what I am able to do in these coldest days of the year.
New Member Class
A New Member Class is being planned for March. The class consists of three sessions: the first deals with the history of the UUA, the second with the history of People’s Church, and the third with ways to become involved. If you are interested, or interested and not able to come to classes in March, please let Lou know.
