“A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm themselves at it, and passers-by only see a wisp of smoke”
― Vincent van Gogh
Most artists are easily defined as passionate. We know the hallmarks signs, the fury of creation, the almost madness accompanying dreams, the mania and eccentricities… Or we think we do, but can we really predict what passionate people act like? Or better yet, do we know if the closest people to us have great passions?
Van Gogh points this out in his quick assessment that folks only see a wisp of smoke, not the actual fire. And coming from a widely known passionate man, this vision of a hidden fire tells us something profound. Perhaps a good deal more of us have a fire within than we would expect.
One of the things that drew me into Unitarian Universalism was that my very first congregation was pro-passion. In our sometimes risk-adverse culture, it felt decidedly counter-cultural to be given permission to share our deepest passions. What did we truly love in this world?
Getting in touch with our deepest love put us right in touch with our spiritual journeys. It was a salve to defensive and competitive living, not to mention a balm to monotony and malaise.
Knowing your fire within forms the essence of your spiritual journey.
This month, and frankly all year, we want to help you discover your passion and put it into action. In the words of Frederick Beuchner, your calling in this world can be found where your deep passion meets the world’s hunger.
Afraid you don’t have any passion? Not the creative type?
Work on imagining Bill Gates instead van Gogh then. Remember passion comes in many forms. Join us on Sundays in January to discover yours.
In faith and passion!
Rev. Robin
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