Upended

“Upended” might have been an understated description of 2020, but it captured my last week pretty well, too. On Tuesday, it was an iconic fall day — breezy, sunny and not too warm. I spent the morning working on the patio outside. At noon I took my lunch out on a tray, reluctant to waste a moment of this day inside. As I stood up to go inside, I lost my balance, knocked the tray, and sent my plate and favorite mug crashing to the concrete. I caught the $3.99 IKEA plate before it hit the ground. I did not catch my mug. 

Thursday, I managed to upend things again. I had a stack of books at the back of my table in my office, lined up to read for the pastoral cohort I am in. There were fresh flowers on my desk, too. My desk was clear, working space well organized, reading underway…and flowers! I reached for a book, the whole set tipped over, hitting the vase which then tipped a pool of water over my desk and the open book and notes on it. Whoops.

Neither of these events are by any measure catastrophes. My life — and those of many others — have been upended in far worse ways. But these little reminders how quickly things can turn from serene to chaotic have kept me grounded in the present, eyes open for joys in the here and now. Like another beautiful early fall day to read on the patio. I’d rather view this week as bookended by joy than by grief. 

Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation