Rector’s Reflection - September 2025

August 31 dawned bright, and it remained warm and sunny all day. I was able to sit on the beach and bask in the warmth of the sun as well as conversation with a friend. September 1, I sprang out of bed, expecting the same, but was sorely disappointed by the fog. On sunny days it is easy for me to proclaim, as in Lamentations, “God’s mercies are new every morning.” Less so when it’s foggy.

I have developed such a strong habit of a morning walk that I go out even on those foggy mornings, albeit a little reluctantly. I am always rewarded, though, by reminders of God’s ever-present mercies: moisture on my face, the softening of lines, the quiet, the surprise appearance of pelicans out of the mist, even banana slugs on the path.

A lot of people seek to undertake spiritual practices when times feel tough. And that is good, because they can help us through tough times. Trying to develop a spiritual practice while we are going through a hard time, though, can be extra challenging. We can feel more desperate for it to “work,” and we might have less bandwidth or focus than we do in “normal” or “happy” times.

Perhaps those good times, when we notice God’s mercies every morning, are our invitations to begin a serious spiritual practice that conditions us to be alert to God’s mercies every morning, noon, and night, whatever the weather, whatever our mood, whatever the circumstances. That way, when hard times arrive, we have tools at hand to remain grounded.

There is never a bad time to begin a spiritual practice. Today is always a good day. If you are wondering where to begin, let’s have a conversation.

Peace,
Pastor Kristine