Rector’s Reflection - March 2024

One of my favorite places to watch the ocean is at the Great Tide Pool, near the intersection of Lighthouse and Sunset. The waves break at the entrance to the cove, and from there ripples move the kelp up and down gently as they make their way toward the shore. It is mesmerizing, and it makes me think about the ripples we cause, or experience.

Our words and actions are like waves, breaking on those closest to us. An act of love or friendship is refreshing, and the ripples of that action tend to be refreshing as well – echoes of that first act, if you like. An act of unkindness or exclusion can sting, and its ripples tend to be echoes of that initial sting.

This week I’ve noticed the power of a simple “good morning” offered in passing. When I say “good morning,” usually the recipient looks up and responds, many times with a smile. It brightens both our days to feel that connection, however brief. It’s not a big thing, to acknowledge those around us and offer them the wish of a good day, or to return their greeting. But like so many small acts, it has the power to change the trajectory of someone’s day. A smile and greeting creates ripples of smiles and greetings all along the trail.

It is a hard thing, when we have experienced unkindness or exclusion, to stop the ripple, to go against the current and offer kindness and love to others. The power of the wave can be strong. We are not kelp, though, being borne by whatever currents and ripples come our way. We have the power to push back, to create ripples going in the opposite direction.

We will be in the season of Lent until the very last day of this month. We will hear the stories of how Jesus went against the current and acted in love even when confronted with hate. May we be aware of our power to create ripples of love, to resist ripples of hate. It can be as simple as “good morning.”

Peace,

Pastor Kristine