The Red Cord
kim November 4th, 2009
From the worship service on November 1, whose theme was “Overflowing with thankfulness…”
There is a Buddhist tradition of wearing a thin red cord that has had knots tied in it as signs of protection and blessing. The knots are tied by a religious leader, and the cord is a reminder of the blessings offered the wearer. Reminders are often what we need. Sometimes it is work to be thankful. It takes effort to achieve gratitude. Yet when time and attention are taken, there is much for which to be grateful every day.
Anne Lamott (in Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith) talks about a red cord she wears around her wrist, which was given her by a Buddhist friend and was blessed by the Dalai Lama. Though she’s a Presbyterian, she wears this reminder as a sign to herself. She remembers other red cords that speak of connection and of the protection of God: the umbilical cord that, in our earliest days, connects us to life; and the scarlet rope hung from the window of Rahab (in the story of Joshua and the taking of Jericho,) which stood as a signal that this woman and her family were to be protected.
Take a piece of red string (which will be distributed) today. Call to mind some of the things you’re thankful for — people or experiences or an awareness — and as you think of each, tie a knot in the red cord. Then, each day this week, add a knot or two as you recall things for which you’re grateful during the day. You may want to wear the cord around your wrist, to put it in a pocket or wallet, or simply to keep it nearby. Let it be for you a reminder of the blessings you know and of the connection to God that is yours. Let it be an emblem of the ways your life overflows with thankfulness.
