Hello, Friends!
       Sometimes all it takes is a drive down a usually untraveled street to receive the gift of new perspective.  Yesterday it was my turn to be so blessed.
       I like to think I'm a pretty positive person, and I generally do awaken with an awareness of all I have for which to be thankful.  Yesterday, though, was one of those days when "out of sorts" best describes my mood.  Ever have one of those?  I woke up missing my mom (this coming week would have been her birthday), my head hurt from what "fall" brings us in allergens, I had a bit of a toothache, too, and Charlie the cat had turned over the kitchen garbage can--again-- all before I'd even had coffee!
       Of course I was aware even in all that of how miniscule and insignificant my petty annoyances were--but I was feeling off kilter, not centered, and not "all there."  A bit into the morning, after a walk with John and Ivin (and   yes, after sufficient coffee to get the brain engine more or less in gear),
 I was on my way to something like balance, but still a bit preoccupied with my own "stuff," and on my way to collect some materials from a church in south Austin.  I decided not to take the  interstate, but drive south down a road less traveled, for me. Within three long suburban blocks I saw three people, three brothers, three of God's beloved children.
      The first was a fairly young man in a wheelchair, missing most of both legs.  He was approaching a bus stop, moving slowly, looking tired, reaching for a water bottle to take a drink.    Near the next bus stop a bit farther along there was another man, also without his lower legs, wearing shorts that revealed titanium prosthetics, moving along okay.    The third man was the most physically challenged,  barely walking with a walker along the sidewalk, his entire spinal column supported by a heavy-looking brace.
      There were lots of other people along the street.  I was just driving, not really looking for anything, thinking about my next errand, and the one after that.  Those three men seemed to call out to me--someone/something wanted me to notice them. And I did.
      Life is hard for so many people--really hard.  My life is not hard.  And one day, if it really is, I hope I'll remember to notice someone for whom it's harder.  Perspective is everything.  Every person's experience, feelings, sufferings, challenges matter.  No one's life is insignificant.  Those brothers weren't on that street to help me get an attitude adjustment.  They were just living their lives, trying to get from one place to another--which  for them is much more challenging that it is for me, able to walk without assistance to the nice car I inherited from my parents, full of gas which my job helps me buy.
       I was reminded, once more, of the efficacy of our formula for living, practiced in the elements of our worship on Sunday morning, and remembered, we hope throughout the week:
   +give thanks to God for the gift of being, and count your blessings;
  +ask for holy guidance, Spirit wisdom, new insight for the path before you;
   +seek the willingness to put loving intentions into action.
      I really do believe God nudges us awake, with insights like that given to me yesterday, through those three brothers on the street. Now the question is, what will I do with it?
     I look forward to seeking the answer with you this Sunday, and  all our days to come.

Shalom,
Sarah