I have always collected quotes and poetry (as well as images) from all over the place and surrounded myself with such things (on bulletin boards in my home and office) for many years.  One of the quotes that currently resides on the board above my desk at the RI Conference office reads: “Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine.  Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary.  That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life.  And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.”  (Authored by LR Knost)
I find this such an apt and accurate summary of life as we begin a New Year!  And we each may find our lenses different in regard to the same events…
 Yes, the blizzard of this weekend brought us all snow – some cheered while others groaned…  Yes, our space ship earth’s environment is threatened – some lean into making change while others deny… Yes, our nation’s political scene is loaded with the possibility for change and upheaval – some are optimistic and others are fearful…  Yes, the future of our denomination and our RI churches is full of uncertainty – some are excited and others are anxious…  Yes, there are terrorist attacks and threats to international peace – some remain hopeful while others speak of gloom and doom…  Yes, RI interfaith leaders march to the Capitol building to declare that they will fight poverty with faith – some celebrate a common call to work for justice while others wring their hands in frustration...
Yes, life can be amazing and then it can be awful…  As people of faith we can breathe in the amazing, we hold on tight through the awful, and hopefully we relax and exhale during the ordinary…
May this New Year find you breathing in as often as possible, holding on when that is all you can do, and occasionally relaxing when all is well…  Blessings to all,
Interim Conference Minister Rev. Barbara J. Libby