I don’t have many opportunities to practice faith, now that I no longer try to believe the impossible. No, faith of the “evidence of things not seen” variety doesn’t come my way much anymore.
Except on Solstice in Seattle — when the sun hides her face, when the clouds obliterate the warmth. Then I have to have faith that she is really there–abundance personified–
ever burning,
ever offering,
ever sustaining.
Hope, on the other hand, I have a lot of. I hope the weatherman will be right, and we will hit 70 tomorrow. I hope our clouds will only arrive in part. I hope the S.A.D. will end. I hope my mood will match my intent on Solstice day, and I will be able to celebrate.
I remember once, when my traditional Christian faith was faltering, Eugene Peterson told me to “say the creed.” I guess that’s what I’m doing now, in this absence of light. I’m saying the creed.
I’m reminding myself that my ability to see the sun does not diminish her power.
I’m repeating that my life will be–is being sustained.
I’m reading out loud in the long-remembered rhythm of liturgy, the blessing that has become my creed this Solstice, every solstice:
…the world spins,
and the tide turns , and the nights grow shorter –
and regardless of our will or our work,
the gift of Light Returning happens over and over
and over again.
I testify to hope.
I have faith.
I incant the Light.
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Little Rituals are simple, repeated actions that happen in your every day. They ground you as you move through your day, and connect you to your most important values. To gather some Solstice rituals, click here. May your find your right-fit rite amongst them today.What is your Little Ritual this Solstice season?
Spiritual but not religious? Recovering Evangelical? Jill of all faiths? You might be relig-ish. Browse the posts to learn more, or click here to watch a video about our relig-ish community.
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