Trust is the spiritual by-product of innocence. My people say that innocence is more than lack of knowledge and experience, it’s learning to look at the world with wonder. When we do that, we live in a learning way. Trust, the ability to open yourself to teachings, is the gateway for each of us to becoming who we were created to be. All things bear teachings. Teachings are hidden in every leaf and rock. But only when we look at the world with wonder do the teachings reveal themselves, and trust is also the ability to put those teachings to work in our lives. Trust is, in fact, our first act of faith and our first step towards the principle of courage that will guide us. —

Richard Wagamese; One Story, One Song

Opening reflection chosen and read by Amy W.

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As we look ahead in times of such turmoil may we trust that God will lead us, those we love and our leaders to a path of love and reconciliation.

Photo and reflection by Denise P.

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Standing on a wooden walkway–this one spared in the last round of hurricane winds, I watched the waves come to shore gently, relaxing at low tide.

The form of arrival of each wave differed. One would crest further out and then slide in. Another would start as one, crest, separate, each curl rippling away from each other. Another would start as two, and the ends would curl toward each other, meeting at a center point they created. Water would pull away from the sand, and merge with a wave spending itself enroute. They greeted with a splash.

No two alike. No pattern.

As I turned to head back down the walkway, I began imitating with my arms and hands the movement of the waves, in order to remember. In, out, away, back. Again and again, I was that water in motion. Several rounds later, I realized, “Ah, the ocean body is doing tai chi!”

Reflection by Amy W.