Having just finished a week of jury duty and celebrating with Memorial Day coming up I’m more than just a little grateful for all we share in this beautiful community. In some countries there is no trial at all, much less with the assumption that we are innocent until proven guilty. My friends and I attended a supper with others who celebrate all we have, all we are and all that is. These people know the value of family and good friendships. For one thing, we are free to worship as we choose. As a Christian I choose sacramental worship. We are blessed with many great synagogues and churches here in the Coachella Valley. Many work together for justice and peace.
When I practice compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy and just try to understand that all are my brothers and sisters in this human dilemma - respecting that each has their human rights and dignities. We can help one another. These are still difficult times for many but Americans tend to do our best under adverse circumstances. We are free to make choices without fear of retaliation for serving one another. We know that kindness is a heart quality and can be developed as a skill. As we grow in awareness of the needs of others we can step out of our own comfort zone and embrace a broader circle of family. We can be thankful for our differences as well as our common ground. This summer I’m sharing with new friends and old while taking time to live and dream.
