Yesterday was St Brigid’s Day, a traditional Irish festival known as Imbolc, not quite the end of Winter but certainly the beginning of Spring—the Irish have always had a strange sense of humor. It’s also Candlemas, the celebration of the presentation of Jesus in the temple as part of Mary’s purification, marking the cleansing of blood from childbirth.
And, of course, it’s also Groundhog Day, which has its roots in German medieval lore for the possibility of spring. We look at midpoints in particular ways. We think of our lives in terms of different points, certain anniversaries as having particular importance.
Today is the midpoint of winter. Although it doesn’t feel like spring here in New Jersey, and even less further north like Connecticut or Massachusetts, the flower catalogs have already started arriving and some intrepid gardeners are making plans. This is a good time to make plans, not just for the gardens, but for the healing of our world.
Prayer for the Day
Holy One, who graces our lives with your Spirit,
Open us to new possibilities in a world not seeming aright;
Shake us loose from old ways of doing things,
And expand our imagination to include new ideas.
Enlarge the boundaries of our thought and imagination,
Confronting us with love's demand for justice and mercy,
As did the One who lived for others,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
The cooking side is the easier way to be creative. On the policy side, it’s harder to think of new approaches to problems.
Sam Kass, political operative and advisor
All I know is that mine was a completely new theory about art, a new approach that made the pictures appear just as life does.
Domenico Gnoili, Italian artist (1933-1970)
One thing I know to be true: What we did yesterday won’t get us through tomorrow. Leaders need to be forward-thinking, dynamic and insightful to drive value and deliver a competitive advantage.
Kate Burton, businesswoman
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Paul, in his letter to the church in Rome, 12:2