A time of thanksgiving, a time of reflection and a time to express the values one holds. Gratitude is a happiness experienced at least twice: once as the event and again in the reflection. Everyday I am moved by the kindness I see from children, adults, teens and seniors.
Everyday, I get discouraged by the separation in our communities and country, by the ways those in power treat the least of these–those without voices, our planet, our siblings.
Everyday, there are those in our community who express their passion by being present with one another, asking questions that inspire, and laughing with our neighbors at our quirkiness, naivete, humor and wisdom.
I believe that relationships must be built on a foundation of mutual respect. We all foster this: growing it and nurturing it.
During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude. Although there are many things that happen that are inexcusable. We pray for the reconciliation between the life we experience and the struggles (personal and institutional) experienced by too many of our siblings. We pray this prayer as actions for change and we pray this prayer for hope, as we build Beloved Community, and we pray this prayer as respot for those working sustainable change for our planet.
There are moments of grace everyday, of people helping one another, and today we celebrate that grace. For that, I am thankful.
Peace, Shalom, Salaam,
Rev. Will