Dear Ones,

It’s been a long few months, and now, an outcome to the election that many of us have feared. I’ve heard justice leaders and election workers flagging this week, energies depleted. I’ve heard friends who are strong in compassion and care, feeling disheartened.

At my house, there’s a blackberry hedge along the edge of the yard. At least, that’s where I try to keep it. Those of you who live with blackberries know that this plant will colonize whatever open space you have, if you let it. Living with blackberries is an exercise in maintaining boundaries–clipping a lot, but not all of the new branches–so that there will be sweet berries in August.

In June, I attended General Assembly, joining thousands of UUs in conducting the business of our UU Association. I loved the invitation we received as congregational delegates: to approach the business meetings as though we were attending worship.