We pause to welcome and create experiences and expressions of God within, between and beyond: within as self-worth and a fundamental affirmation of our place in community and this world; God between in intimate expressions, with the exchange of long embraces, slow kisses, hands held, tears shared, laughter between friends; God beyond in all of nature’s beauty, in mystery, in synchronicity - in God of all our understandings. Now, we pause to consider the vastness of experiences and understandings of life, faith, God and love. All perspectives are welcome here. All are welcome now to abide in meaning and purpose, to dwell side by side in harmony and continuity – as we enjoy and create this emerging community.

Great hosts of brown and withered leaves circle-turn and cluster on earth’s alter – seemingly whirling around as if they were in some ecstasy of nature. The sun has poured through stubborn colors yet on trees, shyly disrobing, as through stain glass windows in a final display of autumn. And now rain and stealthily emerging snow soak all around. While it is wooly now, it has been simply and beautifully pretty and we are grateful.

And now- into autumn and winter wonder weeks, in the aftermath of great national campaign fervor. New beginnings now for us all. We commit to sharing priorities, respecting people and disagreements. So, too, do we commit to a process of dialogue and mutuality that transcends content on any issue. We face difficult realities; we remain curious for what is ahead; we stand together as fellow human beings committing to decency, common ground and humble honoring of the complexities of our perspectives and histories. So be it.

On this day of spotlighting a progressive way and the priority of justice, we give thanks for leaders around the world who guide and inspire us to new ways of learning, relating, thinking and behaving. And might each of us open our minds, hearts and hands to reconciling with a world of people at odds with so much. Might we choose freedom this day rather than fearful and hunkered down security; might we choose paths that lead us toward ourselves and each other in ways that allow us to create realities and policies enhancing all people, gay and strait, impoverished and wealthy, men and women, natives and immigrants. So much at stake…and so much possibility.

There are those here who have lost a mother or father; there are those present who have reverted to destructive patterns and habits; there are those here undergoing cancer treatments; others still recovering from delicate surgeries. For these and so many more in countless situations, we remember. We commit to them this moment…mindfully, lovingly, compassionately. Just like all of us here, these dear ones feel deeply and seek to fulfill their needs and hopes.

We breath deeply now, aware of our gratitude, our anxieties, our openness, our resistance, our sense of adventure and our fears. Amen to it all. And amen to this community of journey-mates on the way toward something greater; and great honor to all saviors, saints and even sinners who inspire us and compel us to be the change we wish to see in this world. Amen.

^ top of page