A Thought from Washington
Two hundred twenty-nine years ago, one Revolutionary Army officer wrote George Washington a letter suggesting that a country with Mr. Washington as king was more preferable than “a nation under a republican form of government.” George wrote a letter that included these words:
“If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself,
you could not have found a person to whom your schemes
are more disagreeable--………
Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country—
Concern for yourself or posterity—
Or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind…”
--George Washington
November 1782
The temptation of powerful kingdoms is really great. The father of this nation realized that true strength would come as people patiently work to create a republic where sharing by all could mean scarcity for none. Most of us are quite affluent, especially when we look at the majority of the world. I feel like we have a long way to go to make this the kind of homeland it was dreamed to be. I pray that I can and that you can be people working diligently to create a stronger, more unified republic.
Long may this land be bright with freedom’s holy light!
A prayer for today: God of our leaders and our God, build within us a deepening respect for our brothers and sisters in this land. Empower us to work for greater and better tomorrows in your global village. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.05.11
Showing posts with label Respect for others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Respect for others. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Daily Devotions - Tuesday, March 25
Election Reflection
“O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. ”
--From Psalm 63: 1
The faith journey is filled with mystery and tension. Being faithful to Divine presence is a worthy goal for each of us. It is clear that there are numerous voices on the side of peace and on the side of war. One of the most difficult things in America during this election year will be to maintain respect for persons “on the other side of the fence.” Both sides are easily able to justify their position and use a variety of quotes to back them up. Maintaining respect for and carefully listening to the “other side” is tough, tough stuff. Yet, this difficult stuff is what makes America the wonderful place that it is. United in the desire for liberty but differing in methodology for maintaining liberty; can we live with that?
Today there are Americans and Iraqi people who are in a war ravaged country. Some of them are dangerously close to not having enough for survival. Try to imagine it! If you can allow yourself enough quiet time to feel the effects of things like “no water”, then the cry of the Psalmist will be real. Today there will be many patients in hospitals who will be NPO and will cry out for just a bit of moisture on their tongue. If you can allow yourself to be close to those in need in their thirst, then the prayer of the Psalmist will be real.
May you have a good day with enough.
A prayer: Strong, aching God, be with all people and especially defenders of our freedom as the war continues. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.25.08
“O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. ”
--From Psalm 63: 1
The faith journey is filled with mystery and tension. Being faithful to Divine presence is a worthy goal for each of us. It is clear that there are numerous voices on the side of peace and on the side of war. One of the most difficult things in America during this election year will be to maintain respect for persons “on the other side of the fence.” Both sides are easily able to justify their position and use a variety of quotes to back them up. Maintaining respect for and carefully listening to the “other side” is tough, tough stuff. Yet, this difficult stuff is what makes America the wonderful place that it is. United in the desire for liberty but differing in methodology for maintaining liberty; can we live with that?
Today there are Americans and Iraqi people who are in a war ravaged country. Some of them are dangerously close to not having enough for survival. Try to imagine it! If you can allow yourself enough quiet time to feel the effects of things like “no water”, then the cry of the Psalmist will be real. Today there will be many patients in hospitals who will be NPO and will cry out for just a bit of moisture on their tongue. If you can allow yourself to be close to those in need in their thirst, then the prayer of the Psalmist will be real.
May you have a good day with enough.
A prayer: Strong, aching God, be with all people and especially defenders of our freedom as the war continues. Amen.
Ben Keckler
03.25.08
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