Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Excerpt from Wild Geese
By Mary Oliver
Twelve years ago, we began this writing ministry that we have called “Words of Wisdom?”.
The question mark has always been intentional. Each year, we invite those in our community who are willing and able to take up the themes of the year, and we write reflectively in a way that–we hope–may become shared wisdom with our beloved community.
Every single aspect of this effort requires imagination. It doesn’t matter what the theme is; it will always have to do with what it means to live on planet Earth at this time in human history, and how we can live with as much meaning and love as possible. I think that each of us who writes at some point during the year fears that we will run out of meaningful and love-driven things to say. Nevertheless, we call on our imaginations, and we find things to share, to ponder, to be curious about.
Our UU-sainted poet, Mary Oliver, offers a necessary reminder. This world offers itself to our imaginations and calls us–eternally–to our place in the family of things. Her words anchor me of what I know to be true for me: writing these reflections reminds me, week after week, year after year, that I have a loving, meaningful, wonderful place in this community. I am so grateful for you, the UUCG community, and the larger community of people who read our words.
With tomorrow’s post by Rev. Nancy, we will take our summer pause. Please watch for our words to begin again on Labor Day, September 1, 2025. Maybe you have thought about writing some reflections for Words of Wisdom? Watch for the invitation to writers that will go out in August. Imagination required.
~Bob Patrick
