(John the Baptizer) came as a witness to testify to the light. — John 1:7

Grace and peace to you all.

This is a week of high emotion, and I don’t presume to know where you are on the spectrum of responses to this week’s election results.  In the conversations I’ve had with many of you over the last two days, I’ve heard fear and sorrow and worry about what the future may bring.  I’ve also heard a determination not to be swamped by negativity, and a desire to continue to bring the best of ourselves to whatever lies ahead.

Wherever you are, I offer these grounding words from Jan Richardson, from her wonderful collection of blessings, Circle of Grace.  This is our calling, I believe, when times are hard: to be the people who bear God’s love into the world, one step at a time.  If you need to be still for a while before you can bring any light forward, know that God is with you in the stillness, nurturing God’s own light in your spirit.  Turn to a friend; call a pastor; breathe.   You are beloved in order to share love.  You are blessed to be a blessing.