The storm last night brought us a nice relief from the early humid summer type weather we have been having for the last week or so, and it promises to be a totally lovely day, the kind of day we don’t want to think about what is happening in the world around us I know at this time of morning I just want to worry about keeping the one doe wandering around from either breakfasting on the hostas or cleaning up on the bird feeders.
The problem is, of course, even on such lovely mornings, the world keeps crashing in on us whether it’s another mass shooting or doublespeak from the head of VA health care trying to explain that a reduction in services to our veterans is not really one. In this year when we are celebrating the sacrifices of our ancestors, we should also support the ones made by living veterans.
Wanting to shut our eyes and ears to the world is, of course, an understandable response to much of the news we have. But, to tell the truth, we should be grateful for reporters, those sentries who keep pushing the world into our lives. They’re like the one lonely bird that sits on the branch next to my deck ready to call all the other birds when the feeder gets filled. Even on such a morning, we cannot shut the world out as much as we may want to.
Prayer for the Day
You, O God, are vaster than our minds can fathom,
Yet as intimate as love itself, opening us to you;
Forgive us, we pray, when we forget whose we are;
Subsuming you to other things and ideals.
Infuse us with your redeeming grace giving us strength and spirit,
So we live with courage and not fear.
In the name of the One who is our model for living,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.
Frederick Douglass, American abolitionist (1817/1818-1895)
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Maya Angelou, American poet and writer (1928-2014)
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
With my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare your steadfast love is established forever;
Your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Psalm 89: 1-2