Dear Friends,
My husband, Jim, and I have lived in several states, returning to two of them several
times. I noticed there is a pattern of wildlife that seems to follow us wherever we go –
lions, tigers, and bears! Oh, my! Well, maybe not tigers, but we certainly have had our
share of bob cats. I love seeing wildlife in their habitat, and mercifully, with the one
exception of the bear on our neighbor’s middle-story deck in Colorado, we have not had
any close encounters with them.
The month of June is associated with the Power of Imagination, which is our ability to
image, picture, conceptualize, envision and dream. There is a scene in the movie “The
Wizard of Oz,” which reminds me of the Power of Imagination. Dorothy, the Tin Man and
Scarecrow were walking on the yellow brick road in a forest. Dorothy asks Tin Man if
they will encounter any wildlife. He answers with a resounding “Yes! Lions, tigers and
bears, most likely.”
That comment sends Dorothy, Tin Man and Scarecrow into a frightened chorus of “Lions
and tigers and bears! Oh my!” Clearly, their imaginations were creating all sorts of
frightening scenarios that might or might not happen. Then suddenly, as if called out of
the ethers, the Cowardly Lion appears.
Luckily, we can use our Power of Imagination for a higher purpose, like envisioning
perfect health and wholeness for ourselves and loved ones, peace in our country, or the
completed expansion building on our church campus. Or, we can use our Power of
Imagination for “catastrophizing” the worst possible outcome for it all. The choice is
always ours.
Please join me this Sunday as we explore using Imagination for a specific purpose, for
the highest good of all concerned.
Blessing you abundantly,
Rev. Eileen
