MEDITATION: The Cycles of Life

The United Nations’ conference on climate change which is presently convening in Durban, coincides with our church year starting off again with the season of Advent. During Advent we are waiting in expectancy on the birth of Jesus. This birthing process makes us tap into the cycles which are part of life.

Women experience this more intimately within their bodies with their monthly cycles as a constant reminder that they are part of nature and come from it. Men can perhaps more easily get estranged from this truth. But as we start a new year cycle within the liturgical calendar, we are all reminded that there’s an inherent cycle to life. It comes and it goes. It’s like the ebb and flow of the tide which comes in and flows out again. This is like a stream flowing through our veins, through our bodies and into our lives. It ties us into the greater patterns of life and of creation.

With all of us being expectant during the birthing process of Advent, we have chance again to renew our bond with the earth. Beginning-January will take us into Epiphany which allows us to stand still at the appearances of God throughout history and up till today. As we follow the year cycle it offers us with opportunities for re-birth.

With the freshness which spring brought still fresh in our memory, we are willing to put our feet on the road that another year will take us on (Perhaps it’s more adventurous to take off your shoes and feel the grass underneath!) And we can be assured that the cycles of life will be trustworthy in accompanying us throughout the journey. May we tread lightly on the earth as we enter deeper into the heart of God. In the words of St Francis of Assissi:

‘All praise be yours, my Lord, through sister Earth, our mother, who feeds us in her sovereignty and produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs’.

Laurie Gaum

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