Beneath the surface

On closer examination,

Most humans and situations;

Most problems and solutions

are far more textured and complex

Than they initially appear:

Don’t be afraid to look 

beneath the surface of the simple

For deeper truth.

In stillness, strength

Each of us is born with our own

Unique gifts and purpose to share.

In stillness we restore our strength

While coming to a deeper understanding

Of how we might best offer

Those gifts into the world.

In gratitude

Today let us celebrate together

the glory of the harvest,

The generosity of the earth,

And all the blessings, past and present, 

we’ve experienced in this life.

Fan the flame of love

There is a darkness in the world;

Darkness, like coal dust, choking us as we breathe.

Reach deep within,

And fan the flame of love at the root of being;

Breathe light and hope back out into the world.

When anger looms

When anger looms, it’s good to remember

It’s often rooted in fear.

These thorny situations

can sometimes be assuaged,

If the fearful one can be reassured

And the fears be set to rest...

A bridge to a kinder world

We pray today, not just for ourselves,

But for all in need of prayer.

We act, not just on behalf of ourselves,

But for those who will benefit.

... and we reach out today, not just to those

Whose opinions mirror our own,

But in hopes of building a bridge to a kinder world.

Honoring the well-used and reliable

When and why did we as a society decide

That something had to be new

to be considered beautiful?

Today let’s celebrate the appeal

Of the tried and true; the practical;

The well-used and reliable;

Of all that has kept and still keeps us safe

While helping us move forward on this journey.