I just returned from a glorious week on Isla Mujeres (which means “Island of Women”) in Mexico. It was a week of rest, warm sunshine, conversation, yoga, swimming, laughter and delicious, fresh food! I have returned with wonderful memories and a group of new friends who shared the amazing experiences of the island.
This was my third trip to Isla for the retreat “Portals to the Self,” and I went back and forth trying to decide whether I wanted to attend this year. When I arrived and stepped off the ferry I knew it was the right decision. Then, later in the week we found out that the beautiful, quaint retreat center where we were staying had been sold. In February it will be torn down to build new condos and timeshares. At the end of the week, stepping back onto the ferry and saying goodbye held a different kind of meaning this year.
As always, one of my favorite memories is the morning we all get up at 5:30 a.m. and pile into taxis to take us to the southern most tip of the Island. With our eyes still heavy with sleep, we walk through a garden of sculptures and down some very steep, uneven steps to a flat rock cliff below. There we stand shoulder to shoulder as the waves splash up against the rock sending a mist of water over us, gently touching our skin with grace.
With great anticipation, we witness the very first light of day. This year my new friend Carol raised a conch shell to her lips and blew loud and fierce. We watched as the sun made its way up the morning sky with the promise of a new day. It was a holy moment for me.
In a few short weeks Easter will arrive with a first ray of sunlight announcing the resurrection of Jesus and proclaiming that suffering and death will not have the last word. Easter’s message is one of grace and joy and hope in the face of emptiness and grief. Easter invites us to open our hearts to God’s great gift of a new day and deep, deep abiding presence and love! It is a gift and we are blessed.
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Cindy