A little bit of crafting

Generally, in recent years, as anyone who reads this knows, my preferred forms of creative expression have mostly been poetry and painting. Both rely on having imaginative ideas and a certain amount of creative energy. Recently, I haven't produced very much of either.

But even when the ideas aren't flowing, I still know how much I value having some form of creativity in my life. So I have turned to various crafting kits and projects instead. 

I'm sure there are some purists out there who would question how much "creativity" is really involved. But you know what, there is something very satisfying about creating something. Even when you have followed a pattern and / or a set of instructions to do so. Even if they're probably really aimed at children. 

Doing something creative is also, for me at least, a good way of relaxing and switching off from other responsibilities. My life is rich and varied and at times, intensely busy and emotionally tiring ... taking time to rest and recharge matters: for me and for those around me. Intentionally pursuing ways to take a break isn't something I have always been good at, but it is something I know to be vitally important.  

So my pens and paint brushes remain poised for when the ideas come. But in between times, I'll keep doing things like this too.

At the turning of the year

A year ago I wrote a post setting out not my new year's resolutions but my "every day goals" for the year: the things I wanted to consciously choose to prioritise, things that I knew had value in making my life richer and more fulfilled.

https://stepsadventures.blogspot.com/2021/01/everyday-goals.html  

I guess now it's January again, it's time to look back and see how I did. 

The context has, of course, shifted during the year: through various phases on restrictions to approaching alleged "normality" and everything in between; with varying other activities and responsibilities vying for my attention too as life reinvented itself multiple times. These goals were always deliberately intended to be things which weren't dependent on external circumstances, but the rest of life inevitably impinges too. 

Some I have stuck at better than others. I think I probably have gone outdoors if not every single day this year, then pretty close to it (with which I am very aware of the privilege of never having had to self-isolate and be locked away for days on end). I am pleased with my commitment to seeking out things which bring me joy and of remembering to be grateful for the small and the big things that enrich my life. 

With many of them, I have gone through phases. The more creative ones, have certainly had dry patches. I haven't always done as good a job as I'd have hoped of putting down my phone or not scrolling meaninglessly through social media but I have been conscious of trying to at times. I have stayed connected with various friends and family but also remain aware of the unanswered messages and emails, the unfulfilled good intentions. 

Overall, I think I'd give myself above satisfactory, but probably not outstanding. But then again, that wasn't really the point. I let myself off the hook by saying from the start that these were things I wanted to aim for, to prioritise, to keep in my consciousness: and that, at least, I think I have done relatively well. 

So what about for the year ahead? Well, to be honest, last year's list is still a pretty good starting point as they are still things I consider important, but in the interest of refreshing it a little, and because this is something that keeps coming back to me, this year I am going to focus on the things I want to "seek out", either within me or around me, or in some cases both. 

This is undoubtedly not an exhaustive list, and I confess that once I'd found myself starting to make alliterative that did set a limit on what I was going to include. Then again, I also want it to be short enough to be something I can realistically keep in mind; so here is this year's "Things to Seek Out" list: 

Community and Connection

Silence and Stillness

Beauty and Balance

Purpose and Play

Happiness and Hope

Gratitude and Grace

Stations of the Nativity

The tradition of following the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the events of Jesus' passion and death is an ancient one. later, Stations of Light, reflecting on the resurrection appearances, were added. As far as I know, in the wider church, there are no other series of stations for other seasons / aspects of Jesus' life and identity, but I like the rhythm of prayer created by these stations, so that hasn't stopped me writing some of my own.

I wrote these "Stations of the Nativity" a few years ago but have never shared them here so as the Christmas season draws to a close, thought it was perhaps apt to do so.

The First Station: Jesus as Child and Saviour of his Nation (The genealogy)

Matthew 1: 1 - 17

Embedded

In the history of his people

Of a journey towards salvation

Named and known

Child of a chosen nation

Creating a connection

To this his Holy Ground

The Second Station: The Annunciation

Luke 1: 26 - 38

Promised

As fear gives way to love

An encounter with the divine

Invitation and acceptance

The will of God

Made known

On this humble, Holy Ground

The Third Station: Joseph's Dream

Matthew 1: 18 - 25

Invited

By a messenger from God

To dare to love

Dreams and visions

The ordinary becomes extraordinary

Taking risks

To share in this Holy Ground

The Fourth Station: The Visit to Elizabeth

Luke 1: 39 - 56

Shared

With one who also knows

An unexpected hope

The pain and the promise

Daring to believe

Singing praise

On this now Holy Ground

The Fifth Station: The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1: 63 - 79

Filled

With a spirit of hope

At the birth of a baby

Prophecy and prayer

Setting out

Speaking truth

Preparing Holy Ground

The Sixth Station: Journeying to Bethlehem

Luke 2: 1 - 5

Summoned

By an empire's power

To the home of the shepherd king

Apprehension and exhaustion

Weighed down with worry

And unborn child

Walk on across Holy Ground

The Seventh Station: Finding No Room at the Inn

Luke 2: 7

Abandoned

To the darkness of night

By the hostility of closed doors

Outside and excluded

In a place fit only for beasts

No space for Him

On this yet Holy Ground

The Eighth Station: The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2: 6 - 7

Fulfilled

In the birth of a baby

As love takes human form

Humility and hope

Immanuel: God is with us

Making this

Most Holy Ground

The Ninth Station: Shepherds and Angels

Luke 2: 8 - 18

Huddled

Against the dark night sky

Until glory breaks through

Wonder and amazement

Greeting the angels' song

A promise of peace

Shines down on Holy Ground

The Tenth Station: Magi Journey from the East

Matthew 2: 1 - 9

Guided

From distant lands

To seek a new born king

Wisdom and starlight

Turning away from centres of power

Ever onwards

Towards this Holy Ground

The Eleventh Station: The Giving of Gifts

Matthew 2: 10 - 11

Offered

Homage on bended knee

To a baby in a manger

Symbolism and sacrifice

Foretelling a life to come

Gold, frankincense, myrrh

Poured out on Holy Ground

The Twelfth Station: The Flight into Egypt

Matthew 2: 13 - 15

Hurried

Out into darkest night

An escape form violent persecution

Fleeing and frightened

To a land peopled by the ghosts of Passover

And do the exiled ask

Where now is Holy Ground?

The Thirteenth Station: Bethlehem Weeps for the Children

Matthew 2: 16 - 18

Burdened

With the grief of a nation

As innocence dies

Tears and lamentations

In a land now soaked in blood

Crying out

Is this still Holy Ground?

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus as the Incarnate Word

John 1: 1 - 18

Revealed

From before the beginning

Incarnate among us

Word and Flesh

This is our God

Embracing an encounter

On this most Holy Ground

*       *       *

In the silence

We stand on Holy Ground

Be still and watch

But not for long

It is time

To step out and walk on.