Image of First Parish Universalist Church

First Parish Universalist Church
790 Washington Street, P. O. Box 284, Stoughton, Massachusetts 02072 
(781) 344-6800
Worship: 10:30 AM
Children's Chapel:  10:30 AM
Church School: 10:45 AM
 

Gifts of Darkness

Rev. Jeffrey Symynkywicz, December 3, 2006

 

When we are old enough for real living,
no longer dancing in the mere diversions
of children's games,
we will walk a dark and silent road of our own.
and follow wherever it leads us:

sometimes gently toward peace and rest,
quiet contemplation at the end of work's day;
or perhaps toward a tragic garden
where we will behold plants and flowers
watered by the tears of generations.

Here within the darkness,
amid life's silences,
we can hear our true names called;
we discover our real selves; learn our lives' true loves,
come face to face at last
with the glowing vision of who we are.

Such a vision would frighten
one not yet ready for living,
one too young to know
that the journey's not in grasping
but in learning to let go.

To let go and listen to the darkness,
and not be afraid to hear weeping
and silent, hushed voices.

Morning with its garish lights and loudness
will come again all too soon.
Day will come and take from us at least as much as it gives.
But in the holy darkness, everything is a gift:
penetrating grace of the Spirit;
holy stillness; holy healing;
the deep holy wholeness of God.

jbs
1/4/01 - 2/4/01 - 12/3/06

 


| Home | Sermons and Meditations | Archived Meditations |