VISION
The living tradition of Unitarian Universalism empowers each of us to draw meaning and courage from a wide variety of sources. The first source is that of direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder. The unexpected glimmer of a smile on a beloved face or the play of light on an evening sky, the sight of human poverty or of ancient trees burning, have all been known to draw attention to strands of interconnectedness and interdependence otherwise unnoticed. This source is about vision: our own. It’s about opening our eyes to what is right in front of us and allowing our hearts to be touched by it.
The second source is that of the words and deeds of prophetic women and men; those who see not only what is right in front of them, actively drawing attention to it, but also that which has the potential to be. As such, many visionaries focus their eyes on life’s darkest corners. They see and speak boldly about the light that we each are called to bring into such places. Often they are martyred for their visions of love, peace and justice. This source is about vision: someone else’s. It’s about opening our eyes to the rich heritage left us by those who were able to see past fear and ignorance into love, past violence into peace; those able to see and lead others onto the path of justice. In doing so, it opens our eyes to those visionaries who are here right now, calling us to value-driven service.
Of all that you have seen of the world, which sights touched your heart? What did you see that made you aware of life’s complexity, or gave you a hint of clarity regarding your own life’s purpose? What vision of the future might these experiences have formed within you, and how bold are you in sharing it? Whose vision has inspired you to bring light into life’s dark corners, and how visible is that commitment? May these questions, and others, spark your vision for yourself, your family, this community, and the world.
The living tradition of Unitarian Universalism empowers each of us to draw meaning and courage from a wide variety of sources. The first source is that of direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder. The unexpected glimmer of a smile on a beloved face or the play of light on an evening sky, the sight of human poverty or of ancient trees burning, have all been known to draw attention to strands of interconnectedness and interdependence otherwise unnoticed. This source is about vision: our own. It’s about opening our eyes to what is right in front of us and allowing our hearts to be touched by it.
The second source is that of the words and deeds of prophetic women and men; those who see not only what is right in front of them, actively drawing attention to it, but also that which has the potential to be. As such, many visionaries focus their eyes on life’s darkest corners. They see and speak boldly about the light that we each are called to bring into such places. Often they are martyred for their visions of love, peace and justice. This source is about vision: someone else’s. It’s about opening our eyes to the rich heritage left us by those who were able to see past fear and ignorance into love, past violence into peace; those able to see and lead others onto the path of justice. In doing so, it opens our eyes to those visionaries who are here right now, calling us to value-driven service.
Of all that you have seen of the world, which sights touched your heart? What did you see that made you aware of life’s complexity, or gave you a hint of clarity regarding your own life’s purpose? What vision of the future might these experiences have formed within you, and how bold are you in sharing it? Whose vision has inspired you to bring light into life’s dark corners, and how visible is that commitment? May these questions, and others, spark your vision for yourself, your family, this community, and the world.