November 9, 2022
“The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.” ~ James 5:7 NRSV
I write this Tuesday morning, a few hours after the polls have opened on the East Coast, wondering like everyone else about election results. Results which have already been challenged before the ballots have been counted.
One thing we can be sure of is that the current acrimonious discord and conflict will continue well beyond today. It is easy to believe that this is the worst of times. It certainly feels that way at times.
I don’t know what new twists and turns will be playing out Wednesday morning. What I do believe is that we who follow the One Who Is Love, will continue to be mustard seeds and yeast whose presence isn’t always readily visible A farmer plants seeds although the growth isn’t visible for a long time. A baker adds yeast to the dough and then waits for it to rise. Sister Callista Roy put it this way, “Cultivate the virtue of hope – take the long view and believe in it.”
On this day after the general election, cultivate the virtue of hope in whatever way works best for you. Plant seeds that might not reach maturity for years, bake bread and let the kneading, the rising, the baking, and the eating be a live-out act of hope. Breathe deeply frequently. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Send a card. Fill your mind with life-giving and life-affirming activities. Limit news consumption. Talk with God.
My prayer for us this day, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) ~ Anne
Wayfinding 