Sent to members via email on July 2, 2020

One way we have always dealt with difficult times is to tell stories

King Solomon was depressed. Nothing made him feel better. His favorite foods were set before him but he couldn't eat them. The finest musicians and entertainers were sent to him but they brought him no joy and he sent them away. Finally, he summoned his faithful servant, Benaiah, and told him to search the land for a cure. Time passed and King Solomon grew more and more depressed. Eventually Benaiah returned with a ring for the king. Inscribed on the inside of the ring were the words: "gam zeh ya-avor" - this too shall pass.

King Solomon put the ring on and at once, his depression left him. He took off the ring and his sadness returned. And he understood at that moment that nothing ever stays the same. His depression might turn to joy but his joy could turn to sadness. Everything changed all the time. If he was going through a difficult time, it would pass, just as he should treasure each moment of joy because it, too, would pass.

King Solomon wore the ring for the rest of his life.

In the last three months, we have all experienced changes. For some of us, these changes brought new insights, surprising moments of joy; for others, the days have been weighed down with difficulties and grief. But wherever we are in this spectrum, as King Solomon learned, change is what we can count on.

There is a Wiccan chant: "She changes everything she touches, everything she touches changes."

We are all in the process of transformation. May we be like the caterpillar and grow wings.