Spiral of Light - The Strength of Community
This year's Spiral of Light provided a clear example of how a community can come together and turn a possibly disastrous situation into one of beauty and awe.
Last year we held our Spiral of Light outdoors, seeking shelter from the torrential rain. Miraculously the candles stayed lit and the event followed the traditional course of building a beautiful spiral, one candle at a time.
This year was a different story. The weather was similar to last year and none of us gave a thought about whether or not the candles would stay lit. From the very beginning, the center candle was extinguished by wind almost as soon as it was lit. Then, as individual candles were lit, they too were extinguished, either by wind or by rain. After struggling for many minutes, the faculty, parents and children made a circle around the spiral to try to shield the wind. Everyone assisted everyone else to light their candles. We stood in a circle, holding our candles, singing.
I was struck with how earnest and patient the children were in their efforts to keep their flames lit. They didn't get upset or melt down. They just tried again and again. And standing over them, were their soaking wet, uncomfortable parents, willing to come out in the dark, wet evening to allow their children the awe and wonder of the festival.
At the end, the wind died just enough that the children were able to set their candles on the ground and we were all treated to the vision of a beautifully lit spiral.
Thank you to the faculty for being willing to put this event on, to the singers for their beautiful voices, and to the parents who brought their children back to school on such an inhospitable evening. It was worth it!
