It’s been such a hard Spring. Ukraine, Buffalo, the Supreme Court, Uvalde, TX. Lots of worry and lots of hardship. The way forward is not easy to see. Do we retreat into despair or try to find hope? Or both?
The line between despair and hope, like the line between good and evil, depends a great deal on how and where we put our energy. There is a Cherokee tale that goes like this:
A mother is teaching her son the power of self-direction: “My son,” she says, “the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
Her son thought about it for a minute and then asked his mother: “Which wolf wins?” The mother replies, “The one you feed.”
We can acknowledge that evil and despair are in our world and we can choose to feed the other wolf. Feed the wolf of everyday kindness and the best of intentions. Feed the wolf of community and move beyond that which holds us to darkness. Feed the light.
I urge all of you to join us this Saturday June 4 from 9:00-12:00 in the Sanctuary as we have a talking circle. Each person will be given a chance to speak their minds in the midst of our blessed community. This event, hosted by our Pastoral Care Chaplains, will be respectful and open to many viewpoints. Refreshments will be served.
Yours always, Rev. John