For your consideration…

Our exact message today was, “Know when to stand down.” As I sat with it, I realized it is deeper than that.

In things that don’t matter to us, we don’t have difficulty letting things go…standing down even though we don’t agree with the person, situation, etc. Reasons might be; we don’t feel that strongly, we don’t think it is our business, we have “bigger fish to fry.” etc.

Standing down, walking away, setting limits, etc. become more difficult with people we care about. Our message today tells us that sometimes it is exactly what we have to do. Our help is not always what is best for our loved one or us. Help is one thing. Enabling is another. I suspect most of us have been in situations with tough choices on whether to help, solve, or stand down Often it is with our children, friends, partners, neighbors. It is especially hard when it is something that we can very easily do. Still, that is not always the best choice.

We are always encouraged to help our fellow man/woman. Yet, we are reminded to be responsible about it. Be aware of when our help is overstepping, and stand down.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Remember…You are the keeper of the light. Wherever you go, there can be no darkness.

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Be brave and stand down when necessary.

What made me smile yesterday…

-A beautiful day.

-Mojdeh and I went to a farmer’s market.

-Beth and I went to Greenfield Village’s “Salute to America” event. It was awesome.

-A good book.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris