Gifts of the Season

•

It is the season of gift-giving. Giving gifts to those we love and to those in need can be a spiritual practice- a way to express generosity, care, or gratitude. I recently bought a gift from a tea shop in upstate New York for a friend who I have shared countless cups of tea with over the years. As I purchased the gift I thought of how it wasn’t the tea or the cup itself which held value, but the connection between us, and the way those conversations over tea had impacted our lives.

I believe the most valuable gift we can give to one another this season is our presence and attention. When we are listened to, recognized, held in love, we become more fully ourselves. This is a gift that truly matters.

This month at UUC we will be sharing gifts. Some of those gifts are things we can see and touch- clothes for kids in need through the mitten tree project and money in the offertory that supports the work of the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.  Let us give these gifts in the spirit of love. Let us also notice and receive gifts during this time– especially ones that cannot be bought or sold.  Gifts of light and darkness, peace, hope, joy, and love are all around us. They require only that we show up and be present. They require that we open our hearts to receive them.

Most of all, may we give and receive the gift of our presence and attention to one another, that we might become more fully ourselves.

In peace,

Rev. Terri