“Ask Not….”

For your consideration…..

Even as a child these words of President John F. Kennedy’s resonated with me; “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Even though wealthy, President Kennedy was raised in a family where service to county, people and the world was expected. While the emphasis was not so much on public service in our family, it certainly was on personal responsibility. Even the family shows on TV like Leave It to Beaver, The Donna Reed Show and Denise the Menace were about taking personal responsibility. Whining was a waste of your time because it wouldn’t get you anywhere. In our house and most others there was no doubt growing up that by the time we were 18 we better have a plan. You didn’t wait until you are 18 to start making the plan. At 18 we were adults and on our own. If we were going to college, maybe we had parents who would pay for it or help us get a loan. If not, then we better have a job. It was either or.

Our message today is this. It is not what our country, our family, our friends, society, our world, our Universe can do for us. It is about what we can do for it. It is about what we can contribute. Whining and moaning about what we don’t like steals our focus and brings us more of the same. Envisioning what we want to see with pure intentions creates and sets the Universe into motion to deliver what we desire.

We are part of the One of everything. We have personal responsibility everything. Life is about what we bring to it not about what life owns us. Be brave. Don’t be deterred. Be the catalyst for all that is good, just and right. Be the light.

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

-Step outside and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Drink lots of water. It helps with clarity and helps sync you with the Universe.

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

-Take personal responsibility. Be the mirror.

What made me smile yesterday…..

-Being with Mac.

-Tank looking all innocent, “What, I didn’t do anything?” Yeah, so why do you have black spots all over you. Naughty puppy, digging in the flower beds.

-Catching up with Jody.

-Lunch with my friend, Judy. It worked out perfectly.

-Drinks on the deck with the neighbors. What an absolutely perfect and beautiful night. A perfect way to end the day at Stillwater.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris