and to you and your family
and to all individuals and families across the globe;
and to all of life – plants and animals on the land and in the waters and in the skies,
and to the oceans and rivers, the rocks and shorelines, the mountains and plains;
and to the planet on which we live,
one home, supporting our one family, human and non-human
in our diversity and magnificence,
one creation under God,
with respect and equality and compassion and love
for all.
o o o o o o o o o o
Early voting has begun. It’s time to let our voices show the nation and the world what’s in our hearts. It’s time to rise above our petty disagreements, our hates, our favoritism. Our anger and fear is front and center right now. But that cannot control our vote. We are better than that!
Don’t vote out of fear of what might happen if the other side wins. Don’t vote out of anger or desire to get even or to punish anybody. Don’t vote with an attitude of “I’ll show them!” Don’t vote party above principles. Have an honest reckoning with yourself and vote for the very best human being!
Think of the finest, most loving, smartest, least biased person you know. Maybe that’s a parent or grandparent, a teacher or spiritual leader, spouse or best friend or neighbor. What would you expect of them? What principles would they espouse, what platform would they put forth? Vote for those ideals and principles. Vote as if you are the candidate who is running. Vote for you expressing your highest ideals. If you were running, how would you want to be remembered? What would make for the best life for everyone and alleviate the suffering of all? Vote for the kind of world, the kind of future, that you want for your children and grandchildren and generations to come. Plumb yourself to your deepest depths. Listen to your conscience. Sit quietly. Think long and hard. Let your heart lead. Vote with all of the goodness that you are! Vote love! Vote love! Vote love!