shared rituals

seasons and pondering

This particular Friday falls during Pesach (which began Wednesday at sundown) and Holy Week (beginning with Palm Sunday last weekend) in the Judeo-Christian world. Those are both commemorations of persecution recalled in the belief systems of millions around the world.

Whether it was the hurried flight from Egypt or the crucifying of Jesus Christ, these faiths encourage their adherents to ponder the meaning of both history as well as current human events. Anecdotal observation does not show as much appreciation of the shared sense of persecution as one might anticipate yet the belief in its experience exists for both.

The world is, as we know, in flux with others fearing persecution and enhanced threats. The coincidence of Judaism and Christianity celebrating survival might encourage their adherents to ask what roles they play as individuals in the transformative events we are seeing seemingly daily yet it’s impossible to know whether people do so in our busy, yet interconnected world.

These religious events also coincide with the rebirth of growth from our soil in the spring, as colors burst upon us and bumble bees pollinate. We look forward to the return of hummingbirds and butterflies as we increasingly spend time outdoors with the fresh air. Things open dramatically with the arrival of spring. Current medical advice suggests that getting outside in the sunlight plays a major role in assisting each of us to an older age. This weather change allows us to spend time swimming, walking, or sailing among the natural sights and sounds that reinvigorate us.

The seasons changing to bring spring exploding across the northern hemisphere (or similarly the southern hemisphere’s withdrawal into hibernation) are same annual ritual, like religious commemorations, we are lucky enough to experience every day we live: a renewal of appreciating and celebrating life in many forms.

I, for one, am thankful for the physical changes we are experiencing around us every day, as I realize my past springs outnumber those I have ahead.

Wishing you a day of outside splendor and reflection on how lucky we are to live today.

Thank you for reading Actions Create Consequences. I appreciate you every day you pull of this column.

Be well and be safe. FIN