By Robin Volker

Five years ago, I attended a Unity church in early January and experienced my first White Stone Ceremony.  Ever since, I have offered that opportunity at Unity in Community.  This Sunday, through message, meditation, and music, we will again choose a word or two that will be our focus for 2010.   The purpose of the White Stone is to symbolize the turning of a new leaf, the setting of a new intention, the taking of a new "name" for ourselves.   As I look at the small stack of flat stones I have accumulated, I see that they represented what I wanted to receive in the year ahead.   As I prepare for this year's ceremony, I am approaching my choice from a different angle.  This year's word I have chosen represents what I want to give to the world and to those around me.  

Leo Buscaglia once wrote, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."  In 2010, I desire to be the person who offers that touch, that smile, that kind word, that listening ear, the one who gives that honest compliment or performs that small act of caring.     My word for 2010 is compassion.   May I be compassion in action in all I think, say, and do!

I invite you to begin today to think of one word that resonates with who you wish to be this year.   What is one word, if kept in your mind's eye each day, in every situation or circumstance, would help you to carry out your purpose for this measurement of time we call 2010?

My greatest desire for you this year is your success in health, wealth, happiness, and spiritual growth. 

Namaste,

Rev. Robin