Time to Gather
Thursday, November 5th, 2009In the past month or so, I have had three different invitations to participate with circles of friends who are feeling drawn to “gather. “ I received another this morning, which prompted me to consider “why?”
As I look out my door at the scads of leaves that lay, dry and brown, about an inch thick across what would otherwise be my front lawn, I remember the summer, when the trees were full, lush and green. Now, their bones are bare and exposed – and silence replaces the whisper of the wind rushing through dancing foliage.
Remembering moves me to reflect on my own summer adventures, the things I had hoped to invite into my life when the spring was last beginning, and the inner-journey that took place in the wintery time of darkness when 2009 had just been born.
This time of year invites us to consider where we have been, what we have done, and what we have learned through our experiences. The obvious “end,” whose crunchy sound and fragrance echos under our every step, inspires us to remember the burgeoning earth in its springtime, the sweet fruit of our summer learnings, and the spiraling return to death that is an undeniable finale in this familiar cycle of living.
As fall leads us toward the ebony arms of winter, our final harvest is one of
wisdom – filled memories. By reflecting, we harvest our passions, our pains, our joys and our sorrows. We give meaning and value to what we have experienced.
When the last harvest is complete, we are compelled to share these memories and reflections with each other – the treasures of life that are stories worth telling – and worth hearing! Our reflections are full and rich and soul-stirring. They are the culmination of another year-long cycle we are completing.
It is time to gather.
The “Holiday Season” is upon us. Traditionally, in our modern western world, we gather in large numbers for parties and celebrations. We work so hard to prepare for what ends up being a short amount of time with those we love, and often, because we are so many gathered in one place, we have little time to share with one another in a heartfelt way.
This year, I suggest something different. Lets make time for tea.
I suppose you could replace tea with another beverage of your choice – but Tea is something so simple to prepare. It offers a comfortable elegance that we are missing in our world today. Its warmth soothes the soul and opens the heart. Tea can be shared, along with a great conversation, in a single hour or two. I think gathering for tea is an “old way” that deserves rebirth.
It is time to gather – in a new “old way.”
Over the next few months, I plan to share tea with a few close friends. I look forward to gathering in intimate circles and weaving our tales of life together in interesting and artful ways. I delight in the anticipation of what I will hear from the hearts of those who are dear to me. Yes, I will make time for tea and for sharing in a deeper way this season. Won’t you join me?
It is time to gather – to share our stories – and the kettle is on!