Brother Sun, Sister Moon

The moon last night and tonight is intriguing. It is so clear and seems magnified and bright. It is nearly full and last night's rise over the ocean caused us such wonder. During dinner, every retreatant lost focus on their food and admired the sun. It drew them in and slowed them down. It seemed odd that it was there at all because of the eight inches of rain that was forecast. As it ascended further into the night, a light cloud cover obscured its brightness, but its glow made it more mysterious.

We did receive eight inches of snow but the storm passed quickly and we had another clean night with that bright orb in the night sky once again. It seems like an old friend. It feels like it should be a summer moon, but the temperatures are well below freezing. It will stay that way for days.

Another 8-day retreat is coming to an end. When they are situated in the middle of a 30-day retreat, it seems to begin and end quickly. I feel like a good friend is leaving all too soon. The marking of time is still a big curiosity to me. Time slips so quickly even when it may pass slowly.

We have gained over 30 minutes of daylight since January began. In another two months, we'll be looking at crocuses and other early spring flowers, even though March and April are cruel to us in New England. In a little over a week, the groundhog will come up out of its den. If it sees its shadow, it will burrow back into its den and winter will be extended another six weeks. If it doesn't, he will stay above ground and spring will come early. We have this signs of hope.

I'm reminded of the passages from Ecclesiastes: There is a time for everything under the sun. What does it profit a person to toil all day long and not find happiness in his or her toil? I used to find that passage so desolating, but now it is one of the richest, most consoling books of the bible. We are to create our happiness in the midst of the cycles of the world. Eat, drink, enjoy the gifts of the world wisely and find a way to be happy. Happiness, like love, is a daily choice.