We pause now in the stream of life, perceiving all things and experiences as miraculous and mundane, humdrum and holy. Is there any difference at all? The parade of blossoming flowers continues in grand style of oranges, reds, yellows and purples; birds and squirrels alike gorge on emerging acorns and birdseed in abundance. The web of life hums with pervasive energy that goads us on, invites and inspires us to live – even in the midst of discouragement and uncertainty. We dwell in a spirit of encouragement and take on what is refreshing and life-giving. So be it.

We celebrate God as love and God as experience. So too do we affirm God within as self-worth and our emerging, beautiful humanity and individuality – becoming more fully who we are; we dwell in and acknowledge God between – in intimate encounters, in community, in the exchange of kisses and connections – in the meting out of social justice and peace between people, families, religions, neighbors and nations. We contemplate again God beyond -God in all our understandings; God known in nature and mystery and in all the possibilities that line the course of our lives. How can we go wrong? Except in the limits of our thinking, the inner prisons and mental and emotional chains that shackle us into hiding, arrogance, separation and defensiveness.

We consider now our neighbors, friends and strangers to our left and right, front and back, near and far – in pews, in Palestine, in Iraq, in Tennessee. We regard them highly, for they are our fellow journey-mates on this life-infused earthly sphere – this humming, spinning planet filled with gore and glory, possibilities and pain, randomness and reason, amazement and awareness. As we consider those with whom we share this world and this community, we honor the differences, the distinctions with and between us. Would we honor the path of Islam and the prophets who guided the formation of this grand tradition? Can we see beyond the distortions of Christianity and the misguided trajectories that have caused division and hatred, prejudice and unbridled pride? Can we see into the heart of all religious stories and interpretations that attempt to make meaning of life and death, creation, life now and life beyond? We would be humble and set free to realize again that each of us and our traditions carry partial truths that reach for and touch the eternal, for what is real and essential.

We remember especially this day those recovering from surgical procedures; those in pain, those living with the uncertainty of what is next. Those living with the reality of cancer; those care-providers who serve and sacrifice unconditionally with great patience – those who abide in hope, love and loyalty. We celebrate Isabelle and her broader family of love and care. As we consider the joys, pains, transitions, crises and hopes of this local, diverse and far-flung community, may we take on and let go today in order to step one inch closer toward seeing our dreams of possibilities into the images of probabilities. Ideas of peace into realities of softening reconciliation; dreams of justice into greater fairness in the work place and global equity; plans of being more spiritual into simple awakening everyday to the music of the universe. So be it.

We pause now in the stream of life, honoring prophets and sages, saviors and guides – the likes of Mohammad, Jesus and so many others who guided and continue to guide. – those who lived lives of peace, justice, hospitality and compassion and whose examples inspire us to do the same. Amen.

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