I am writing this on Election Day. You may be reading it on that day, the day after or a week later. Whenever you come to this and however you have arrived, peace be with you.
Breathe.
God breathes God’s ruach and life bursts forth in the human of Genesis. May your inhales be a reminder that God is present, as near as your very breath. May your exhale be a reminder that release is holy and God receives what we cannot keep carrying indefinitely, especially anxiety and fear. Take the deepest breath you’ve ever taken. Sigh. May stillness invite you into God’s embrace. May prayer be your very first thing.
Play.
As I write this, my dog has interrupted me with a ball in his mouth and a demand for attention. I listened to his cue and took a break. May you pay attention to the interruptions in your day that invite you to delight and to joy. May the joy of the Lord be your strength; when you feel weak, may you return to this joy and be renewed.
Love.
Love your neighbor. Love your enemy. Love the stranger. Love yourself. It is a difficult thing. The most difficult. So, may the love of God dwell in you. May the compassion of Christ disturb you. May the power of the Spirit guide you.
We are called to be salt and light and yeast in the world. This calling never changes and God equips us for the work. To do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. So, as we move through today and the days following, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Pastor Liz