Waiting for Love to Be Born

By Teresa Cobleigh*Inspired by Rob Mathes

‘Tis the advent of another holiday season. I have friends around me and so much to be grateful for. But joyful? Well, I can laugh, dance, sing, and smile, but I am waiting to feel true joy in the depths of my soul. It is no wonder that many of us feel a little traumatized. Together, we have watched tremendous suffering, division, violence, rage, and hatred. We have witnessed events so heinous that they would shake anyone’s faith in humanity. It is hard to find joy in times like these.

I remember the innocence of Christmas, experiencing its magic through the eyes of a child. My sons were adorable toddlers in their dinosaur pajamas. My then-husband would spark the holiday spirit by playing Rob Mathes, whose beautiful words and piano chords would linger throughout the season. We would wake up on Christmas morning, sing along with his song, “Waiting for Love to be Born,” and watch with amusement the pitter-patter of little feet making a bee-line for the gifts under the tree. We were a blessed, happy family.

I also remember the blue Christmases — during my divorce when my family was broken and then again five years later when I lost my son Graham and was utterly shattered. I think of the 100,000 souls this past year lost to the opioid crisis. There is a tremendous heaviness to a loss like this. It seems to mark the end of our innocence and humanity, yet we are expected to put on the game face and be joyous around the holidays.

I remember Christmases separated from loved ones. I would open a card, “Merry Christmas from Rehab!” A little snicker, I’d udder at the irony of receiving this among the other postcards of picture-perfect families, but it warmed my heart. There was hope in it and a fitting authenticity and given the other possibilities, good fortune in receiving it. Clearly, I have a different perspective than many others on this planet.

One Christmas, I shared a meal with a slew of young men celebrating with their new sober “family” in rehab. This would mark the beginning of a different take on Christmas for me. No longer would I feel good giving into consumerism or hypocrisy. Christmas in rehab seemed a more meaningful celebration of rebirth, hope, and renewal than joining in on any frenzied shopping spree at the mall.

So, I sit here contemplating how to celebrate this holiday season amidst the darkness I cannot help but see in the world. I think about new chapters and old, our many spiritual gifts, and what it means to be truly joyous. I know each day is a gift and a chance for a new beginning. And each of us has gifts to share, blessings we have received by grace in abundance.

The Process of Gratitude

As part of my gratitude practice, I’ve contemplated the blessing of working with Herren Project. Operating in the trifecta of pandemic, opioid epidemic, and addiction crisis, these past two years have called us to re-imagine ourselves. We started with a vision quest. We took a hard look in the mirror and considered what we stood for: the dignity of all human beings and embracing the tenet of love of our neighbor as ourselves. We engaged staff, board, and outside leaders who shared similar missions or useful perspectives. We drew up a plan and blueprint for implementation. Amidst the darkness and a public health emergency in addiction, we felt a responsibility to be a force for good and light in this world.

With a clear vision and plan, Herren Project looks forward with hope and expectation to bring about the change we believe we are capable of. It is the dawn of a new phase of our growth, and each human loss and milestone has propelled us to meet the challenge. Love will prevail, and we shall carry it like a beacon through this dark night of humanity’s soul.

Spiritual Gifts

What gifts can we give that truly capture the essence of Christmas? What is your spiritual gift? Perhaps it is your joy that can be shared with one discouraged. Maybe it is the mentorship of a young man without a dad. Perhaps it is sharing your lived experience or donating your spiritual capital to Herren Project because we are making a meaningful contribution to humanity.

So, there is reason to be joyous. For us, great hope was born in the hearts of good women and men, and that hope is in the spirit of love. There is no greater power. So, as we confront humankind in the mirror, we can use this power to heal, transform and rise above. And it is right, my friends, to remain ever hopeful in the face of darkness while asking ourselves how we can change and grow and how we might serve our highest aspirations. There is more to humanity than an unloved, abandoned, marginalized inner beast.

May your spiritual gifts bear fruit for others needing a little love today. And may you honor the love you’ve come to share along your path. May hope fill your soul with joyousness. And may we all wake up on Christmas morning to remember the face of a child that is us, singing of starlight and angels, with exuberant expectation and a joyous heart, patiently abiding, Waiting for Love to Be Born.

November 28th, 2022|Categories: Latest News