I’ve always loved Autumn. The temperatures cool down, the leaves change and for a goodly portion of my life a new school year begins, and I love a new beginning. So many possibilities.
It’s possibilities that I write about today. There was a time when there seemed to be naught but possibilities in the future. Where one went to college, or not, the career or job you chose, or chose you, for example. Along the way through each of the decisions, a few unused possibilities got cast aside.
Had you wanted to be an actor when you were a kid, but the sciences called you away? Were you once a dedicated dancer, but then as you focused on other things your body became less able to perform at the level it once did? I know this last sorrow personally, but through music. There was a time when I played music about 30 hours a week. I was very dedicated and not too shabby at it, either. But as other responsibilities approached, I had the opportunity to play less and less. I still love to play, but I’m no longer the player I once was. I’ve gotten older, and the adjustment to playing in a concert band while wearing progressive lenses are my new reality.
But aside from physical process of playing an instrument, I’d like to think that I’m capable of producing more nuanced phrases, both in playing and writing. As I’ve tasted more of what life has to offer, I’ve honed my skills. I have adapted and matured, I think because I have remained open to possibilities.
This month we’re going to focus on embracing possibilities at UUFalmouth. We’ll do a little letting go of what was and reaching forward toward what could be. As certainly as it will involve some grief and tender feelings as we let go, there will also come excitement and imaginings of what might be next. And next after that.
We are a forward thinking people, but we will only remain forward thinking if we keep looking in that direction. Certainty is the death of growth. Wonder is the humus of it. Let us dig around in it.
