American novelist Henry James was once saying goodbye to his nephew Billy ... with words that Billy never forgot:
"There are three things that are important in life. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind."
Writer Frederick Buechner comments about that:
"BE KIND ... because although kindness is not by a long shot the same thing as holiness, kindness is one of the doors that holiness enters the world through, enters us through".
And then Buechner writes: "and not just gently kind, but sometimes FIERCELY KIND."
My prayer for all of us is this:
Loving God of all creation, remind us now to be kind ... and sometimes fiercely kind. May we have a fierce passion ... for justice and equality and fairness and equal opportunity and peace ...
... a passion to work on behalf of all your children who live in this state ... ... a passion to make responsible decisions ...
... a passion to do what is right, and not just what is politically expedient. May we be FIERCELY KIND ...
AND ... and ... may we also be gently kind.
Keep us sensitive to the hurt that is all around us, even among those with whom we may have strong disagreements. May we treat all with dignity and respect, even as we do the difficult work of seeking compromise on tough issues.
With a firece gentlenessa, help us to serve you as we serve the people of this state.
In your loving... and kind... and fierce spirit we pray.--AMEN
