We hear so much depressing news so it’s time to think about some of the good things that are happening. First, preliminary data show that Covid infections in the Northeast are slowly but surely coming down. Our part of the country is more heavily vaccinated, and that’s probably a reason. Even with the Omicron, the effects are not as severe and that’s probably because of the vaccinations.
Then we should also consider the fact that we are less dependent on fossil fuels than before. Our reliance on coal has dropped from 50% in 1960 to just under 20% last year. Wind power grew by 14% in 2020 and solar by 19%. So we are on the right track.
Finally, our national bird, the Bald Eagle (No, Ben Franklin, not the turkey) has seen a wonderful resurgence. In New Jersey alone, we now have more than 175 pairs of these magnificent birds. And, although we have not really had midwinter, we are inching closer and closer to spring.
Prayer for the Day
Be our vision of truth, O God, opening our eyes to the world,
Freeing us from the bonds that confine us, clinging us to old ways;
Be our guide, O God, giving us ears to listen to others around us,
Acknowledging our limits and learning from the world around us.
Brighten our hearts, moving us beyond the gloom of despair,
Enabling us to be truly your servants to others.
In the name of the One who beckons us to joy,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the field has the power to move you, if the simple things of Nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.
Eleanora Due, Italian actress (1858-1924)
Thought is the greatest of pleasures, pleasure itself is only imagination – have you ever enjoyed anything more than your dreams?
Gustav Flaubert, French novelist (1821-1880)
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness, and come into God’s presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God who has made us and we belong to God.
We are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture.
Psalm 100: 1-3