As I write this at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on November 9, the day after Election Day, I am aware that I have had an uncharacteristic need to completely block out the news-- a need that has persisted since yesterday. This morning as I sat in the kitchen with my coffee, Jason came in and immediately said, "Did you see that Fetterman..." and I had to stop him. I felt a visceral revulsion rising through me.
"I can't", I said. "I can't right now. When it's all over, I'll look." He nodded and moved on to make his toast.
I couldn't do it today. Me-- who stayed up past 3:00 am the nights of the last presidential elections. I can't do it today.
Perhaps you feel the same, that you just cannot physically or emotionally take in the news today. Or perhaps you are like me in the past: glued to the television, following every red and blue move on the map. Or maybe you are somewhere in-between.
Wherever you are, it's okay! Take care of yourself. Things will unfold how they will, and we shall all rise another day to grieve, to celebrate, to work for peace, and to care for one another. We shall all rise another day to hold before us God's vision of peace and wholeness. We shall all rise another day to fight injustice and speak against hate and protect the rights of our neighbors.
This past weekend I rewatched the film, "The Hobbit", just for fun. And I was struck by those famous words of the wizard Gandalf before they set out on their journey:
"Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I’ve found. I’ve found it is the small things, the every day deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay, simple acts of kindness and love."
We shall all rise another day to continue our simple acts of kindness and love. That is church, and that is most certainly West Parish: a shining light of love. Blessings, Good People!
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