Rainbows of Hope: Tuesday's Reflection

I love our neighbors. The family -- wife, husband, two children, a boy and a girl -- hung a symbol of "love wins" outside their house after the Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality.  Each time I look out our front windows or walk out the front door, I am reminded change can happen. Transformation is possible, and hope lives.

I don't write in this blog often about current events. Perhaps I should, for my prayer and meditation time holds the joys and the many sorrows of our world. I have sat in tears, as many of you have, reflecting on the hate unleashed in Charleston, but that, unfortunately, is only one example of far too many where conflicts and oppression and yes, evil, are all too obvious. Praying the news is a spiritual practice it would be well to pursue. 

The recent Supreme Court decision is a specific answer for many whose lives have been in the "wait" position, but I think the ruling offers the rest of us not only a renewal of hope, but also a challenge. How open are we? How wide and deep are the eyes of our heart? 

I love this story from the renowned Jewish philosopher, Martin Buber:
           An old rabbi once asked his pupils how they
           could tell when the night had ended and the 
           day had begun.
           "Could it be," asked one student, "when you can
           see an animal in the distance and tell whether it's a 
           sheep or a dog?"
           "No," answered the rabbi.
           Another asked, "Is it when you can look at a tree
           in the distance and tell whether it's a fig tree or a
           peach tree?"
           "No," answered the rabbi.
           "Then what is it?" the pupils demanded.
           "It is when you can look on the face of any woman or
           man and see that it is your sister or brother. Because if
           you can not see this, it is still night."

I'm sure many of us have changed our minds about this issue and other issues, as well, over the years. We have grown in wisdom and love and openness, and look, what's possible when we commit to being one with our sisters and brothers. Isn't life so much richer and joyful when we live in a state of awakened love? 

So congratulations to all who have waited for this day, but each of us, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religious affiliation, background or economic status, need the gift of this day. My prayer, especially as we approach our nation's 4th of July celebration, is that we learn to live in harmony and understanding and joy with each other. 


An Invitation
What are the specific ways you can live in the rainbow of hope? I would love to know.