
I hope the faithful will vote for peace, love, inclusion, grace and hope.

I hope the faithful will vote for peace, love, inclusion, grace and hope.

St Francis is the patron saint of animals so many churches offer animal blessing services, usually held on or around October 4th. At my church, St Peter’s Episcopal this morning we had morning prayers and a blessing of the animals rolled into one service. It is always fun to have our four-legged friends join us. All we had this morning was dogs and cats but, in the past, we have had farm animals, snakes, and spiders. All things great and small have been blessed at this service.

Happy National Coffee Day to all my friends who can’t make it through the day without a cup or three. Enjoy your favorite brew. For me it’s Tim Hortons.
Compassion is powerful. It is the act of feeling concern and pity for the misfortunes of others. It is so needed in a world where people are impacted by the Coronavirus, wildfires in the west, hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and regular situations of poverty, hunger, depression, and the like. Sometimes it means forgiving huge debts that would be impossible to repay like those who have a tough time making rent, paying medical bills, and the like.
Compassion is powerful in that it can take the pressure off people who are at their breaking point. Desperate people who through no fault of their own cannot seem to get ahead. Sometimes the system just doesn’t work for them. It means being fair and just which can mean the difference in the lives of those who need it most. The important thing to know is that you could be the person in peril, facing a mountain you cannot climb and one paycheck away from losing it all. We are all in that boat whether we like to admit it or not.
Compassion is powerful in that it works both ways. Everyone is worthy of it. Now that is not to say that one should compassion be a way for someone to take advantage of you, but it can be a way that shows a better way of living.
Compassion is powerful in that you can find your way of doing that for others. Now is not the time to be focused on ourselves but to make the world a better place by giving our friends and neighbors a much-needed break. Harness that power you must give breath and life to those in need.
Like many in the faith, community worship has been done online in this time of Covid-19. My church’s service this morning which was recorded and streamed on YouTube featured our high school seniors who are graduating and going on to their next chapter in life, college. These seniors talked about their life experiences as it relates to their faith. We also had other kids who read scripture and prayers who will have their own recognitions in the future.
Last night I heard former U.S. President Barack Obama speak and he charged the youth of today to claim their leadership role and to do their best in the process. His speech was not about him but the students who have been through a lot in their lives.
Just think about it. These young people have seen and experienced events like 9/11, natural disasters, war, and now Coronavirus. To have their proms and graduation ceremonies canceled isn’t fair but they have taken it in stride. Through their lives, they have been trained for this moment in time. It is safe to say they will face this challenge with resolve and perhaps it’s preparing even further for the road ahead.
I choose to believe that my higher power (I call him/her God) is with each of us in these days we are in. Maybe those young adults who are graduating can teach us all a thing or two. Perhaps we just need to follow their lead. Being teachable and flexible will make life better for all. The future is in the next minute and its time to realize that our young are going to make things happen.

A sunset from Grace Point Episcopal Retreat Camp near Kingston, Tennessee.