New life, new day, new light

We have moved into the springtime of recovery--a long, gradual, and muddy process that involves removing the dried and dead vines from last year's growth, preparing the soil with nutrients and love, and watching in hope and tenderness for the first signs of new life. Clearing away the deadness has been happening over and over again the last several weeks...it involves difficult things, like seeing the truth, questioning accountability, making plans, arguing, remaking plans, and seeking steps toward cooperation and consensus.

It may be tempting to see the consternation and miss the progress, but spring is here. Soon she will be calling to us from everywhere--in birdsong, in the change of light, in the lifting of our hearts and the return of vitality, fresh sap coursing through our veins. There will be those of us still focused on the disappointments of last year's growth; there will be others who rush with abandon into the new season perhaps a little too fast. But we all, gracefully, over time, inch toward a full realization of the promise of spring together. Uneven, yes. Stumbling, undoubtedly. But we move forward together and demonstrate once again--and over and over--the courage, tenacity, and harmony possible when the ideals that cradle us are keystone; unfailing, immovable, eternal.

Father-Mother God, All Loving Intelligence, Friend and Companion, thank you for the spring, for new life, for the growing light in our days and hearts. Open our eyes that we may discern what can be cleared away and quicken our spirits to know best ways to plant right now. Touch our ears with the tender songs of your emmisaries and gives us courage and vision to reach in friendship to one another--a trust that is honored, received, and returned--as we experience ever more deeply a sense of rootedness in You. We ask you to bless President Obama as he continues to lead our nation forward through this time of challenge and opportunity; bless his entire cabinet and administration with vision, compassion, and a love for all the world; and bless his family with peace, joy, and a sense of value and appreciation that blankets them with protection and care during these important years. Thank you, God; for every moment and each breath and every sign of spring, we are grateful. Amen.