Well, it’s been a rough day for my religion. Christians are wearing me out. What happened to love everyone (everyone) the same way you love yourself? What happened to the Golden Rule?
So, this Sunday’s Thought is from one of my very favorite traditions, the Reformed Jewish Shabbat dinner on Friday night I sometimes spend with Jewish friends and not Jewish friends—breaking bread, drinking wine, singing songs (joy!) and saying prayers for families and friends, for the world, for all those less fortunate—for peace. Good prayers. Kind prayers. It’s a holy, happy party with God in the middle and plenty of food and kids and dogs. I especially love the blessing for the children. All the adults place our hands on their heads and recite it. (Well some can say it in Hebrew and the rabbi translates for those of us that need it.)
Maybe we all should try this tonight (or tomorrow if you are reading this on Monday where you are. I think we can do this all the time.) If you don’t have a young person near, put a hand on the head of whomever is with you, if that won’t work, and you have a dog, a cat, a parrot, chicken or a horse– even a squirrel. Okay– a plant will do– —Go ahead and put a hand on them and say this out loud. But if you are alone, I suggest one hand on your own wonderful heart, and one on your head and blessing yourself ( just switch you to me). Feel the love. That holy spirit that lives inside you. Your light that shines. Love is the answer folks– always has been, always will be.
May God bless you and keep you,
and may God’s light shine upon you,
and may God be gracious to you.
May you feel God’s presence
within you always –and may you find peace.
