Rev. Lori: Can You Be A Wild Blueberry?
A version of this reflection was originally published in the previous week’s Friday Flyer.
Piet and I walk Juno our dog regularly in parks, trails and on the beach. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place!. Those walks are so grounding and huge reminders of the beauty of creation and the gifts the Universe gifts to us!
Photo by Rev. Lori of Wild Blueberries
Sometimes, many times, I fill the space with a lot of chattiness and animated hand motions. Sometimes, I put my head down and walk too fast for the dog as I process all that is going on. Both of those mean that much of the time I am caught up in thoughts and motions and the benefits of being in nature are mostly fresh air and the gratitude of having beautiful places to walk, but I dont gaze and look around or walk intentionally.
On one of our walks this past week or so, I paused and lifted my head to notice nature. I saw the wild blueberries. I picked some and ate them. I shared them with Juno. They were delicious. I remembered seeing some kiddos picking them last time we walked and wanted to remember to bring a small container to pick some for blueberry pancakes or to make muffins. Both being favorite treats of mine. In the dizziness of the days, and my propensity for animated chatter, I had forgotten. I had forgotten the wild blueberries. The joy and gratitude they inspire. It is such a short season and I almost missed it. This became a metaphor instantly to me of the short seasons we miss when we get caught in the swirls. A metaphor for the amazing and awe inspiriting gifts that can make us smile and find joy in less than joyful moments.
Which leads me to questions for you and an invitation. If you have a favorite blueberry recipe feel free to post it on our facebook page or type it out and put it on the bulletin board. I would love to expand the ways in which I can enjoy blueberries this year! Brian and I would not discourage you from sharing any blueberry delights with us on a Monday, Wed or Friday morning! You could also pick some and freeze some in our freezer upstairs for pop up pancake breakfast this upcoming church year. Think of all the wild blueberries could create!
My questions this week:
What are your wild blueberries? What gives you joy and gratitude right here, right now?
Are you noticing then or are you too chatty or preoccupied or sad or fearful to notice right now?
Can you refocus, recenter, and make metaphorical muffins right now for yourself and for a friend?
Can you be a wild blueberry?
Peace and Blessings,
Rev Lori Whittemore
(she, her, hers)
Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco Biddeford