Marking our Transitions

As may be typical in this life, one crisis got elbowed out by another. Goodbye frontpage COVID news, hello frontpage War in Ukraine news. Not to mention so many other concerns that haunt our days. As is also typical of this life, one beautiful thing gave way to another. The stark beauty of winter is softening into the great glory of spring. 
In the Bible, there are guidelines for marking transitions. Many of them are holy days (holidays) or sacramental celebrations. But there are other ways as well. God seems insistent that we take note of transitions. Over and over, God calls us to remember. Remember that we are dust. (Remember that one?!?) Remember the exodus, remember me, says Jesus. Marking and honoring these milestones is important! Are you doing it?
When the people of Israel crossed the Jordan, when Jacob woke from a divine dream, they marked their experience is a specific way. As a part of our spiritual formation, we follow their pattern. Doing so deepens our faith and serves our mental health.
Perhaps today you have the blues because the event you looked forward to for soooooo long happened. And it was great, but now there are just memories. Perhaps you are past the anguish of grief or illness but are unsure how to name where you are. Our tradition offers you resources to make meaning. 
Here are a few steps to help you name the transition and honor it as a place God has brought you to-and-through. Adapt these steps to your own interests, skills and proclivities:

• Spend time naming and reflecting (aka remembering). Perhaps you’ll write a little narrative to remember it by, whatever feels right to you.
• Build your altar. It could be building rock cairn or making a photo journal. The point is to create a tangible marker and tool for remembering. Invite anyone who understands your experience to join you.
• Give God thanks. Offer your creation to God. In your own words and way, give God thanks for the past and the present. Sing a song or say a prayer. There is a great prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, page 836 that would be suitable.

Eventually, we will come to a place where the crisis of the pandemic is over. When that time comes, we will use these steps together in a service of Putting to Rest. We’ll remember, we’ll honor the tangible symbol of our experience (our YHWH icon), and we’ll give God thanks. I look forward to that day!