Transcript for February 7, 2010 by Bob Kleinheksel

Pausing now, we affirm individual energies and uniqueness – all of us, each one here, wrapped in wonder and possessive of strength and beauty. We affirm our collective presence; that which is possible, attainable and enjoyable as people bonded together in solidarity along the way. Each breathing separately the same air, spinning with a trail of thoughts – yet guided by similar values and priorities; all distinct – yet sitting side by side in communion and commonality.


Let us remember our connection and that we have too much in common to linger in pettiness, grudges, negativity and any alienation that separates us. For we really cannot be separated. We come from the same parents and the original sparks of awareness and consciousness that goaded a species on a new trajectory of life, survival and growth. Surrounded by mystery, traveling the evolutionary road together, we celebrate this fine day – even in the midst of loss, pain and sadness.

What an amazing reality that we are all on the way: Becoming, changing, renewing, dying and living. None can claim any ultimate steadfastness; none can stay the same in an unchanging world full of uncertainty and unpredictability. Can you feel it? Can you sense it? The heartbeat of consistency, yet constant change; the thrumming of order and yet a dynamic shifting – from blood pumped through our veins to the continents shifting centimeters per year. We affirm changes aren’t permanent, but change is. Can you feel it? Can you sense it? Will you embrace it? What a challenge and balancing act – to be in control as the granite mountains, yet affirm a temporality of all reality such as the winds that blow, erode and have their way; to desire immortality as the gods of old, yet humbly assent to the interim nature of all things.

We remain optimistic; we see the larger picture of evolution and change. For won’t things, aren’t things getting better? Even in creeping, cryptic ways? Might there be an emerging, higher awareness in the human family? Might there be fewer deaths from violence and battle – when rotting flesh and war-torn bodies no longer feed the roots of blood-red roses? Let there be greater sensitivity to the unity and oneness of the earth and all its inhabitants; let there be less dependency on oil and less acceptance of breathing the putrid pollution of the ages; let there be bodily, sexual, emotional and social discretions and freedoms to guide and liberate more and more across the world. Yes, we are moving in the right direction, for that is the nature of life itself. Life is for itself: The mysterious, moving and maturing emergence of all things, from people to planet.

And in the stream of being and becoming in the brief flash of existence upon this earth-quaking earth, let us build a value-laden and compassionate backdrop to our living and relating. Let us move from our own fog and filmy existence toward a new sunshine, a new demeanor and commitment -reaching out to those who have lost ones dear and close – such as the Saunders and DeWitt families. Let us write a check for the efforts in Haiti; let us give of our time and talents to this community so that it becomes a beacon of hope, a ray of justice and peace, a chaplaincy to the brokenhearted. Let us pay attention to thoughts, words, behaviors, character and legacy – for the act of creativity and care is happening now and in every cascading moment we live and breathe. We pause and pray in honor of life, of evolution, the god of our understanding, of saints and saviors who inspire us still. Amen.