See out the old, bring in the new

 

As we reach the end of another church year, it is a natural time to stand back and reflect.  For me, the event of the year was my first experience of an earthquake, on 28th March.  I would choose this as my experience of the year, not to focus on tragedy and disaster, as there is enough of these in our world, but because it was a shared experience within my region.  I could highlight my visit to Norway and Paris, but that might end up in being a narcissistic pursuit, and it was my eperience, shared with a select few.    

This earthquake had its epicentre near Mandalay in Myanmar, a nation that has known multiple crises for far too long - Covid, coup, revolution, floods and now this.  The people of Myanmar are living through a quasi apocalyptic tragedy, suffering shared trauma.  This is highlighted by the reflection of GoDark, a Myanmar influencer and artist who visited Mandalay, post-earthquake.  His reflection is vivid.    

"The city was physically broken, and the people seemed emotionally numb.  Looking at their faces, I couldn't sense much feeling - neither sorrow nor relief .  I kept wishing to see emotion in people again - any kind of emotion - sadness, joy, even anger.  Because perhaps what is most haunting isn't the destruction itself, but the emptiness it leaves behind - the absence of feeling."  

As we stand at the end of  a year, what matters is what we let go, as well as what we hold dear as memories that nourish and teach us.  What may be quiding principles in this quest?  For direction, I refer to the gospel for this past Sunday and see the criteria I need.  So here goes.  

Do we engage the world or simply be passive spectators? 

Do we stay the course or too easily run away and hide, or give up?  

Are we leaders?  

So I ask myself-  Where do I wish to be, physically, emotionally, spiritually?  Where do I choose to stand in life?   Life is a shared journey, full of wonder and surprise.  Yes, there is a fair share of struggle and pain, but there is ever the promise of hope, of a better future, moving ahead as best we can, hand in hand.    .