For your consideration….
Our message today sounds like “uh oh.” It is about crossing lines and breaking rules. So we are probably thinking that it is an admonition coming our way. Nothing could be farther from it. Today’s message is fun. It is light-hearted. It encourages us to cross some lines and break some rules.
Indeed, we should be asking ourselves who drew the line and for what reason. Is it something we just accepted like don’t wear stripes and plaids together. Is it some sort of family tradition we just accepted as our own? Is it something we just think we shouldn’t do but yet we are unclear why. Are we afraid we will embarrass ourselves?
I will give you a good example. I love books including cookbooks. I was taught to take care of them; don’t write in them, don’t bend the corners. I kept some of my mother-in-law’s cookbooks. In them she has notes everywhere; add less of this or more of that, it was good or not good, where she took a dish to or who she had over when she prepared it etc. Her notes are funny because it provides some history on what they were doing when and who they were with. Her notes are helpful. NOT writing in cook books is ridiculous. It was a stupid rule.
When our daughter, Alex, was little, I worked a lot. Her dad would often drop her off and pick her up from the sitters. When I came home I would often be mortified at what she had on. I would ask him, “You didn’t take her anywhere in that outfit did you?” “Yeah, why?” “It doesn’t match.” I’d say to which he would respond, “She likes it. She picked it out herself.” As I have gotten older, I appreciate that thinking. My focus was off course. I celebrate kids self expression. Who defined “presentable” anyway?
Why not cross the line? Why not break some rules? Are they even valid? Do they even make sense. If we are not hurting ourselves or others, why not stretch?
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can make…
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Examine the “rules.” Cross the line.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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