I’m in love with growth and personal reinvention. I once moved professionally from being a jailer, to becoming a teacher and author, and once moved personally from having a smaller circle to becoming an Odd Fellow, with kin across the world. I know intimately how each day of life brings new possibilities. I believe that we were created — not to stagnate, but to grow! And that explains why the white stone ceremony resonates so deeply with me each new year.
During the first service of the new year, my faith community gives small stone tablets and pencils to everyone in the congregation. The giving of the stones nods at scripture about receiving a white stone with a “new name written on it”: a token received while claiming a well earned victory (Rev 2:17 NIV).
Once everyone has their stones, the congregation is asked to meditate for a word that will be key to overcoming, victory and growth, in the new year. Whenever our word comes to us, everyone is asked to inscribe that inspiration onto their own individual stone tablet. Each tablet becomes a reminder to align our life with that expression of overcoming, victory and growth throughout the year.
So now I ask, what chances have you had in your life to write a new name for yourself? And how many chances might you still have, to evolve? Not because you waited for permission, or for someone else to tell you who or what you are, but because you realize that the grandest plan, and highest design was always for you to grow. All you need to do is to claim that victory and to move forward in it.
Whether your most recent inspiration comes from your growth as an Odd Fellow, or from a different nurturing community that you take part in — guard that spark, and nurture it into a larger flame that lights your way.
Happy New Year, and good journey as you grow and become more than you were yesterday!
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