Veneration

I read a book recently about a small island off the coast of Korea where, at least until recent decades, the women woke each day to dive for abalone and octopus in freezing water, and the men stayed home to raise the children. The society had a fascinating mix of traditions and spiritual practices, including ancestor worship—quite different from my life in Kansas.  It made me think about how we, or at least I, don’t spend much time thinking about the past.  We live in such a comfortable, forward-looking culture that family members long gone occupy little of our thoughts.

The book inspired me to spend a bit more time in gratitude to my parents, my grandparents, my great-grand parents, and all of my aunts and uncles and cousins who have left this world.  Now in the mornings, instead of scrolling on my phone, I’ve been lighting a candle and saying a prayer for them--and to them as well.  It is a peaceful start to the day and is yet another reminder that we occupy this earth but for an instant in a long, long line of humanity.  A humanity that includes the women divers of Jeju, the farmers of Kansas, and all of our friends and family the world over.  A humanity that expands almost infinitely backward into time and space, like a loving string of connection to the Creator.

Holy One,

Thank you for the family of humankind. Thank you for the richness of life and our eternal connection to one another.  Help us to foster and grow the connections with the people we know and also with those who have gone before us.

By Judy B…who is grateful for her connection to the wonderful humanity of her fellow worshippers at Peace Church!