Courage to do the right thing for the benefit of the world

I work the voting polls, I deliver Meals on Wheels, I donate to causes for justice about which I am passionate, I try to be conscious of my contributions a healthier environment. I try to speak to people who are not necessarily in my line of sight – people in wheelchairs, children, the people who do mundane jobs – to let them know they are seen and that they have a contribution to make as well.

I cannot improve upon some of the definitions already posted – Dusty Su, EJP, Kevin, Christine, Mary Pat. They are so much more colorful and imaginative, yet real than the seminary definitions. Much more “rubber meets the road”. My addition would be that for me, grace comes from some divine or higher place within us, connected to the Holy Other.

What Samuel said prior to me: Do my part to stop COVID in all its forms – stay vaccinated, wear a mask, social distance as needed, and kindly encourage others to do the same.

My sincerest hopes for my dear ones is that they will discover the servant’s heart within them. Regardless of health, wealth, professional or family accomplishments, discovering that serving others with a servant’s heart – not out of obligation, duty, or responsibility – but out of joy and love, because I was first loved by God and others – is the most satisfying of all endeavors.

When life’s challenges great and small are tugging at my shoulds and coulds, it is hard to hold in balance the need for taking in the simplicity of a given moment. My dietician tells me the need for simple natural snacks throughout the day should not be ignored. Perhaps the same is true for simplicity snacks.

I can say thank you by looking at this day through the lens of gratitude – each person, each situation, each pain, each joy, each breath. I pray it will be so.

By acknowledging others: there presence in the world; their humanity; their stories, if that is appropriate at the time; their need; their gifts. I’m not sure I need it to be mutually fulling, except to know that respect for others is a character quality and value that I honor in myself.

I can quit fighting it, or trying to control or figure it out. I can relax, accept and live with it.

Gratitude helps me look for the gifts others bring to the connection, whatever that connection might be. When I can find that, and be grateful, it frees up tensions that might otherwise get in the way of making what could otherwise be an appreciated human connection.

For me it was not a matter of fear, but a matter of not knowing how to ask in an appropriate manner given a particular situation. It was not having the courage to ask and not worry about hurting someone else’s feelings, or being thought a fool, or making someone else angry. So I just kept quiet, or asked in what was maybe not the healthiest of ways.

I could practically copy what you said, except I don’t have a son’s room in which to hang an exercise poster.

Dusty Su – that is beautiful. Is the definition of “the supernatural ability…” original with you? It is awesome!

I love that description! It sums my lifestyle up perfectly. I’m in the cast…

It is difficult to live in tandem with both the simplicity of a specific moment in time right where I am, while elsewhere in the world or even down the street horrific things are going on.

Howie, I would love to copy and use your words here as both an individual word of meditation, but maybe even a word of reflection in part of a sermon.

Holly, this is very profound for me. Thanks for sharing. It is not unlike liminal time or space – that time or space when something has gone, but the next has not yet come or is not yet known. But the edge is sharper, yet can be fluid. I really love this. Thanks so much for sharing.