O God of learning and of life,
President Theodore Roosevelt spent much of his life in service to our country. He was a man who understood big ideas and real problems. He once advised graduating high school students with these sage words: “Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground.”
Whether we are students heading out in the world, or are already well seasoned by life, this is good advice. Success in our personal life, in work, and in government all require a balance between idealism and practicality, generosity and skepticism. If we err too far on one side or the other we risk our ability to be effective.
May the Holy One bless in our ability to serve the people of California. May we be granted wisdom and compassion, and the ability to always find practical solutions for difficult problems. May this be God’s will--AMEN.