People, Places and Things I Didn’t Know I Loved

By Jan Christian

The title comes from a story from Rob Brezsny who writes the syndicated column "Freewill Astrology." Brezsny told of a man who used to lead him into new areas of town in search of lessons they didn’t know they needed. He called this going on a Whirlygig. Brezsny suggested this activity and said we should then write an essay entitled, "People, Places and Things I Didn’t Know I Loved."

In the summer of 2011, I planned to preach a sermon with this title, but first I was going to General Assembly in Charlotte, NC and then I was going to be traveling for a few weeks.

I am a bit embarrassed to say that this mindset of seeking "people, places and things I didn’t know I loved" set up a whole new approach for me. I usually went to our General Assembly with a somewhat cranky and critical mindset and I always found plenty to criticize.

But that year I was going to GA with new eyes. I was going with the purpose to find people, places and things that I didn’t know I loved. And guess what? I found all three.

For those of you coming to our Regional Assembly next week, I invite you into this way of approaching our time together. Bring your holy curiosity, your spirit of appreciation. For those of you sticking closer to home, it still works.

And if you are there and you see me, feel free to let me know how it’s working for you!

In faith,
Rev. Jan Christian
Pacific Western Region
Congregational Life Staff

About the Author

Jan Christian

The Rev. Jan Christian served as Congregational Life Staff for the Pacific Western Region from 2015-1019. Prior to working for the UUA, Jan served for thirteen years as minister of our congregation in Ventura, California. During that time, she also served for eight years on the Unitarian...

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