Deciding whether to cancel an in-person service due to the weather is always a tough call. I often find myself second-guessing the decision, but it’s always made with your safety in mind. That said, I truly enjoy the chance to connect with you when we gather online — it’s such a rewarding experience.
This Saturday, we have our Soulful Lunch and Learn featuring Tracy Cunning of Fourteen Forty Financial, an Advisory Practice of Ameriprise. Tracy will be presenting Financial Foundation: A Guide to Managing Your Money. After speaking with Tracy, I can confidently say her perspective on financial management will surprise and inspire you; it’s not what you’d expect from a typical financial advisor. Plus, as always, the lunch promises to be delicious.
This week, as part of our Lenten series on The Foundations of Our Spiritual Path, we explored The Gift of Simplicity: Embracing a Life of Purpose. Lent is such a beautiful opportunity to pause, simplify, and focus on what truly matters in our lives.
During Sunday’s talk, we dived into the spiritual practice of simplicity — how it can bring clarity, peace, and purpose to our lives. Together, we reflected on the biblical call to simplicity, exploring the teachings of Jesus and the inspiring example of the early Christian community. It led us to ponder, what does it really mean to live simply and seek first the Kingdom of God?
By seeking God’s Kingdom, we learn to align with higher truths and let go of those unnecessary attachments that weigh us down.
We also touched on the practical side of simplicity. How can we declutter not just our physical spaces, but also our mental and spiritual spaces? What habits or small changes can help us live more intentionally and mindfully every day?
I invited you to join me in a 21-day challenge leading up to Easter. The idea is to remove one thing each day from a cluttered space — your closet, a drawer, your desk, or anywhere else you feel called to tackle. I’m thrilled that so many of you are taking on this challenge with me!
Walking this path together creates room for the Divine to move in our lives, guiding and blessing us with intention, purpose, and joy.
We also explored the deeper benefits of simplicity, understanding it as a gift rather than a sacrifice. This shift in perspective can inspire us to embrace a life of greater purpose and joy, even amidst today’s complex and materialistic world. Let’s not forget how often we’re encouraged to “do more,” “have more,” or “be more.” But as Charles Fillmore wisely said, “We must learn to let go, to give up, to make room for the things we have prayed for and desired.”
This perfectly captures the heart of simplicity: releasing what no longer serves us so we can create space for spiritual growth and divine alignment.
Next Sunday join me on this Lenten journey and the topic will be “The Practice of Gratitude.”
I’m deeply grateful for each of you taking the time to read this. You truly are special!
You are a blessing in my life.
Rev. Patricia Bessey
