In the back of our hymnal, words by Jack Riemer remind us that "now is the time for turning." From the cooler air, to the kalidescope of colors on the trees, to the smell of wood smoke from the first few fires in the hearths of our neighbors, the world around us here in New England is full of the turning of the seasons.

And yet, as Riemer writes, "But for us turning does not come so easily. It takes an act of will for us to make a turn. It means breaking with old habits. It means admitting that we have been wrong; and this is never easy. It means saying I am sorry. It means recognizing that we have the ability to change. These things are hard to do. But unless we turn, we will be trapped forever in yesterday's ways."

     

Let's all take a moment to think back to our childhood. Do you remember your
childhood best friend? Do you remember sharing favorite toys, snacks, and games? 

Perhaps sleepovers, where sleep was scarce, but laughter extended into the wee hours of the morning? But what about the arguments? The spats over an unshared toy or lost game? Do those memories stand out as vividly as the pleasant ones? 

As parents (or really, as anyone who has ever been around children), we all know that children disagree. Frequently and, at times, feverishly. Watching my own children play with their friends, I am sometimes amazed that, after all of the fighting they do, they still wish to play with each other. I sometimes wonder if they even like their friends! 

After a recent play date, a friend and I marveled at how much our daughers argue during their time together, and yet still love each other with such intensity, often crying and begging to see each other when they have been together mere hours before. We laughed about how, if our daughters were adults, that kind of behavior would undoubtedly cause the demise of the friendship. After all, why would you want to spend time with someone who disagrees with nearly everything you say or do? We exchanged stories of friendships that had ended, emotionally detailing the wrongdoings that led us to disengage. This led me to thinking - why is friendship so different as we age? The answer that I came across is a fairly simple concept. Forgiveness.

As children, we are far more forgiving. Small wrongdoings or disagreements remain small. Grudges and resentment are not given the time to grow, because there is so much fun to be had in this great, big, amazing world! We live in the moment, and we are aware that our time with our friends is limited - dinner time will come, it will be time to go home. We don't have time to be angry, and thus, simply forgive and move on. As we grow into adults though, this ability to forgive quickly is shadowed in doubt. In thought. In resentment. We value our time with our friends less than we value our own thoughts. But does it really have to be this way? 

During one spat between my daughter and her friend, they came running into the room, screaming about something. I asked, rather simply, "Is this something worth ruining your day over?" 

And so, I challenge you. When a situation comes upon you, ask yourself "Is this something worth ruining my day over?" If the answer is "no" - I challenge you to forgive. Forgive like a child. Cherish that time with your friends.

In September I read some words that Rev. Kristin gave me for the new member ceremony. It's worth repeating as it applies to new and longtime members and friends alike:

"As members of Unity Church, we trust that you will share your unique gifts with our community, and that you will receive the many gifts we have to offer. As members of Unity Church, I hope you will join our congregation on our journey of growth in thought, spirit, and service to others."

I believe that sharing our gifts contributes to our vision of working toward wholeness and building a healthy community.

What unique gifts do you have to offer?

What gifts would you like to receive?

 

Please let me know through email, the Facebook group, or talk to me at coffee hour.

When?

• After Services on Sunday, November 2, Rain or Shine

What will we eat?

What do I bring? 

• Your favorite snack, side dish, or dessert to share. No alcohol, please.
• Lawn Chairs

The program is free and open to the public. Unity Church is handicapped accessible with parking behind the church.

For further information, please call 508-238-6081.

To provide interactive care, our caregivers need some new toys to engage and play with the kids. We are hoping Unity Church can help by making donations to the Nursery.

We are looking for toys in good repair and suitable for children 3 years and under. Please not toys that could be a choking hazard, such as small Legos, Lincoln logs, etc.

Donation can be brought to Holly House Nursery Room any Sunday. If you run out of time to bring them before church, we can also accept toys in Parish Hall at Coffee Hour.

Any questions, please contact Carolyn McCafferty.