Everywhere I have lived in the United States the month of March is always longer than I like it to be. It seems like spring will never get “here,” wherever “here” is for me. And yet, on Feb. 29, Leap year, I noticed many signs of spring. It’s almost like we literally leaped over the month of March. But we didn’t leap. In fact, we are facing another lengthy March.

So it’s perfect timing that resilience is the word for the month of March in the Soul Matters program. Honoring the natural resilience within our lives, similar to the environments natural resilience bringing back new life (think daffodils), I’m reminded of how important it is to take notice. Rather than continue plodding through the dark winter where the need to isolate, hibernate and ruminate is at hand, now it is time to stop and notice the change that is taking place right before our eyes, and sometimes when our eyes are closed.

Change is taking place at RVUUF, mostly when my eyes are open, but there are changes happening at other times. I see the signs of change in your resilience to adapt to new programs like Soul Matters and the Rev. Cat Cox video classes. Who knew many of you would have found yourself sitting in a small group talking about life and what matters to you while building relationships with each other? Who knew many of you would find yourself communicating through a video conferencing tool and discovering it can be meaningful?

Another sign of your resilience is your capacity to participate in yet another mission statement process, which leads me to remind you: please sign up for a Cottage meeting if you want to continue to share your feedback to the Writing team. In the Great Hall you’ll find sign-up sheets with dates and times taped on the library windows. Your presence and voice is needed.

Lastly, a sign of your resilience will manifest during March when you make a commitment to the future of RVUUF. Financial resources are needed every year and the month of March will include asking you to make a pledge that matches what you value about RVUUF. Now is the time to begin reflecting of that very important decision.

March can seem long, but the Cottage meetings can stir your passion for RVUUF’s identity and purpose and considering your pledge can rouse your commitment to RVUUF’s sustainability for another year. As I write this article on the first day of March, I’m already feeling more resilient and less resistant to this long month, here in the Rogue Valley with you. What better ways are there than engaging in the process of RVUUF’s mission and matching it with a pledge, to make a month go by faster!

Rev. Nan L. White
RVUUF Developmental Minister