A Spiritual Guide to Finding God Around US
I. Exclamation Waypoint on October 31
The first waypoint on our Spiritual Journey begins the evening of October 31 with Exclamation – a celebration and remembrance of our loved ones. It is the evening before “All Saints Day” and, this year, coincides with the appearance of a “blue moon”, an occurrence that only happens “once in a blue moon”—and this particular blue moon being particularly special because it only occurs on Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve) every 18-19 years. (But please note, a blue moon occurs when it is the second full moon in a single month; it’s not really blue in color but is referred to as that regardless).
Step 1) Travel to your Exclamation Waypoint:
Select a place to view the “blue moon” tonight.
You may have a clear view from a window, your backyard, out on the beach or any place that removes you from the chaos of the world — a place that gives your mind the space it needs to meditate and celebrate the saints in your life. If it is a cloudy night, download a picture of a blue moon on your phone or computer.
Alternatively, close your eyes and envision the moon in our heavenly body.
Step 2) Read out loud the purpose of your visit to this waypoint on your Spiritual Journey:
This year, All Hallow’s Eve is on Saturday which makes it especially meaningful for us to prepare our hearts for worship on Sunday, All Saints Day. And, while the blue moon holds no Biblical significance, it will offer a beautiful environment for prayer, meditation and appreciation of God’s creation and presence in our lives.
Step 3) Read the paraphrased meditation associated with this waypoint:
All Saints Day is a day of remembering and exclaiming. We look backward and recall with gratitude the lives of our ancestors. We remember those we knew, but also those whose stories we have heard along the way. And we also remember those whose lives remain so close to mind, so tender in our hearts — those with whom we shared life intimately, joyfully.
Saints are the ones who touch our lives in deep and personal ways. They are the ones who help us find our way. They are the ones who give us an example of living by faith – in good times and hard times. They are the ones who find a way to be loving, even when the temptation is strong to be hateful and unjust. They have found a way to practice love so that it becomes a strength in everyday life, not an occasional principle to pull out when we can.
To exclaim is to be part of the creating spirit, part of the blessing, part of the loving presence, part of the full circle. To live a rendered life. That is the pathway of the saints.
Paraphrased from Joe Hoffman, Oct. 28, 2012
“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear” ……
Step 4) Activity
Today we come to remember. To celebrate. To name the saints. Envision the saints in your life. Call them by name. Stir up the memories you have for your saints. Give thanks for their continued presence in your life.
Step 5) Photo Op (optional)
If you would like to share your experience, take a selfie that places you in context with the ones you love. Send your photo to wendy@bayshorechurch.org with a few words that describe your remembrances or experience during this meditation.
Step 6) Prayer and Inspiration
Offer your own prayer inspired by what you have seen and felt. Or alternatively, consider the following prayer:
Giver of all life,
Thank you for the saints you have bestowed upon me. Help me to feel their continued compassionate presence in my life. As my saints have done before me, help me to render my life to you in all that I do for family, friends, and strangers. And no matter what happens in this life, I will know that all is well, all is well, all is well. Amen
Complete your evening’s journey by singing or listening to the uplifting spiritual When the Saints Marching In” performed by Robert York, our beloved organist and pianist at Bay Shore Church (Click HERE for music).
Oh when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
We are traveling in the footsteps
Of those who’ve gone before
But we’ll all be reunited (but if we stand reunited)
On a new and sunlit shore (then a new world is in store)
And when the sun refuse (begins) to shine
And when the sun refuse (begins) to shine
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the moon turns red with blood
When the moon turns red with blood
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in