The theme of honor, honoring etc. has been on my mind a good bit lately. It’s a bit of Eden’s DNA that I think is special, and could be made ever more explicit as a framework for a way of life that would greatly bless this broken world.

• We honor God with spiritual practices that keep us mindful, grateful, open.
• We honor others with patience, compassion, encouragement, invitation to be themselves.
• We honor ourselves with times of caring self-examination and growth in understanding of our needs, gifts and limitations.
• We honor God, self and others in trying to speak truths, even when difficult.

On this Memorial Day, we acknowledge the cultural holiday that lifts and honors the sacrifices of those who have died for freedom and peace. (If you haven’t lately, please read the wonderful in-depth essay on Ambassador Dubs at our campaign website. As we do this with a Christian lens, we recognize that honoring these fellow children of God, their love for their country and the ultimate sacrifice they paid calls us to humility. Our blessings and freedom are not to be taken for granted. Our prayers and actions in support of the families left behind are a sacred duty. The way of life which calls us to truly honor God’s children is a key for judging and stemming the violence that seems so out of control in our world.

Bless you all on this day… don’t forget to set aside time to be mindful in whatever recreation you are choosing. I thought this beautiful ecumenical prayer was a gift for that…

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki