Dear Friends,
As the votes are continuing to be counted during one of the most consequential elections in American history, many I know are anxious about the coming days ahead. Over the last 6 months we have been living in a suspended period of rapid change and great uncertainty, fueled by many different kinds of viruses: Covid-19, white supremacy, and growing inequality on all fronts. During the days ahead, many including myself are wondering where we’re headed as a people, and what that will mean for our individual lives.
This coming Sunday in worship we will engage both the promise and reality of democracy in this current moment, and what this may be teaching us about who we are, and where we’re going. It is a teaching moment to see how close this election is, and what this tells us about the reality and aspirations of our fellow citizens. It is my hope we can learn these lessons with compassion and empathy.
As I’ve shared many times before, I’m a firm believer in having a practice of how we live our lives. I think especially in times of heightened stress and uncertainty, it is crucial to practice openly, publicly, and regularly how we wish to live for ourselves and all fellow persons. When we practice what we value, we become what we value. When we become what we value, all can feel and garner strength and encouragement from this.
It has been said that “life is not a dress rehearsal.” We are not practicing in anticipation for a decision in 3-6 days, a presidency term of 4 years, or until the end of a global pandemic. We can practice for our life now, on this day, the only day we are given. When we practice for our life today as it is, we are practicing for tomorrow. In today’s practice, tomorrow takes care of itself.
Delight and camaraderie I find are important values for myself on this day. It feels important to reach out to people, not just in worry, but also in shared delight that we are alive together on this day hoping for the best. The reason so many of us are worried and anxious is because we care so much for each other. We want the best for ourselves, and we want the best for our nation. It is an encouraging sign that so many of us are so concerned.
At UUYO, I have found that it is possible to channel that concern into a way of life that is meaningful and life giving. That concern is the bedrock of love, which is the spirit of our church. This concern encourages me to reach out to all of you. Please continue to reach out to each other in the coming days. A simple phone call can go a long way in offering encouragement and support now and for the days ahead. I of course am available for you, as well as our Care Team.
In the days ahead, I am looking forward to seeing how we can channel our concern into positive action. We are a responsive community, responding to the needs of this moment, and the thresholds of each of our lives. It is a great joy to live this way consciously in community with all of you during these precious and uncertain times. You have all offered me reminders of delight and camaraderie, as well as a renewed sense of purpose.
In the days ahead, let us be each other’s guide. Let us find reasons to reach out to each other this day in worry as well as delight, and to find sanctuary in our shared intentional community. Let us take heart that the practice of today is the world of tomorrow.
In faith, Rev. Joseph