Those who have known me very long, know that alongside my passion for all things subtely or overtly spiritual I have two other loves… 1. the Chicago Cubs, and 2. the literal heavens–sun, moon, planets, stars, the International Space Station, Space X, (Google it) and astronauts. DId you know that the area code for Cape Canaveral Florida is 321? I am so jealous. If I wanted a new phone number for our upcoming move (which I don’t) I’d choose that. But I digress.
Today is the beginning of my real life countdown to blast off, today, Friday, April 16th is *3* It is why we stayed in Sarasota and did not move when we closed on our new house last month. Today was my last infusion cycle to begin 2021. I don’t need that level of care again until October. Today is *3*
Tomorrow, Saturday the 17th is *2*. I will do my final sweep of the house to see what I absolutely cannot live without for the next week. Also tomorrow our kind and generous hairdresser Lisa, will come to the house to give Sam and I a haircut. Kind of like the ‘last rights’ in the beauty industry. Tomorrow will be day *2*
Sunday, will be day *1*. BLAST OFF! Well, kind of. Knowing that I was going to be an an infusion stupor, we arranged for my travelling buddy Mary to drive me to our new home before the arrival of the packers and loaders. Sam will oversee the actual move. I’ll blast off on Sunday, prepared and ready for the arrival of everything!
Now, I know you don’t need a blow-by-blow of my last hours in Sarasota, but my puzzle making, metaphor identifying brain has found something perhaps transferable and useable for each of us for times of change of any kind. I’ve already offered it above, but let me line it out, its based on my beloved 3-2-1. Ready?
For all of us in times of change there are some essential things, things we must do, things to which we must attend. It’s important to keep what is essential, essential…lest urgent-seeming things try to muscle their way into our mind, hearts and the precious commodity of our time. What are the essentials? Tending to our spirit. Tending to our families. Tending to our bodies. In times of change especially, we need to keep essentials, essential. *3* first things first.
Next, in times of change no matter how organized we are, no matter our intentions, skill, stamina or abilities we need ‘a little help from our friends’. In my current transition, I need Lisa to come to our home–I have no immune system and can’t risk inside spaces with strangers. I also need Sam to stay behind to work with a house full of people so that I can be alone and take naps. I need Mary to drive me 250 miles to the new house, out of the goodness of her heart. Even in times of necessary chaos, especially those of us who like to perceive ourselves as strong, must reach out for an accept the help of our families and friends. *2* ask for and accept help.
Then and only then, are we prepared, ready, and free to blast off into the newness God has intended for us. And this is the fun part. We don’t even really know what that is. *1* is to stay open, receptive and willing for the new thing God is doing in us, hopes to do with us, and intends to accomplish through us in the world. *1* is the stepping out on faith part…it’s where we discover ourselves…it’s where we need the most trust. Far from being lonely, *1* is the most exciting number.
There’s a transition upon us all in the year ahead. Together we will define a new way for a post-pandemic world. Hopefully we have learned somethings this past year that will serve us well. Hopefully we will not simiply try to crawl back into who we were but be open to the new invitation. My hope is that this little 3-2-1 will serve you on your new way. May God bless your comings and goings.
Grateful for your company on this amazing journey,
xo, Kathleen
The Celtic Monk Musings 