For everything there is a season under the sun: Now, a time to pause, to breathe deeply, pray and center upon the things and people and issues in our lives. We take them on more passionately and we may also let them go. We are surrounded by and part of the rhythms of nature: The crinkling, browning oak leaves both amazing and perhaps already annoying us; the preparation of harvest and beautiful bounty of this land; crisp, fresh mornings and kids remarking how they can even see their breath! Thinking of new tires for the winter season. On it all goes, the changes of schedules, paces, actions and minds.

We consider again the ethics and decisions that demand our best thinking – in this election year and for all time. Whether it be end of life dynamics, stem-cell research, alternative energies, issues of employment and economics, we commit to thoughtful and civil discourse, open minds and willingness to learn. We value others’ perspectives and realize that we do not know it all. May we recognize our emotions – how they direct and distract, learn facts, follow our passions, and live out our values in the face of it all. We are community – and all are welcome. We abide side by side with each other and affirm both the questions and the answers.

We are mindful of neighbors near and far. We remember friends and family we love who are struggling; we pray and mindfully…heart-fully love those needing encouragement and relief –whether from storms of nature or of any transition or loss. We extend our best energy and care to leaders making crucial decisions about war, exit strategies, health care, education and programs that tend to the most vulnerable in our communities. We affirm that we are all connected; mindful of individual and collective collaboration and collusion with all that is good and oppressive in this world, we suffer and benefit together.

No matter who we are, what we believe or deny, might we abide in the experience of the infinite, with any God and life presence of our understandings within, between or beyond – that may be a soft affirmation saying: Even with all your mistakes, your base humanity, your animal nature, your dis-ordered-ness….you are beautiful and unique; you are important in this world with your individuality, your important decision making, your unmatched character. You are every day on the way toward something greater and more mature…feeling and causing less suffering. May the beauty of this season inspire us to be more of who we are and to be engaged in this hurting and hopeful world. Amen. Let it be.

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