I spend a good deal of each day in front of my computer. In the bottom left corner of my screen, a prompt shows the weather conditions. As I write this, it is 65F and windy in San Francisco and 70F and windy in Foster City. At regular intervals, there is a “Breaking News” or “News for You” prompt that appears and lures me to click into the browser to feed this cat’s curiosity. Today, the headlines read:
“Trump questions whether Harris is ‘Black’ at conference of Black journalists” – Reuters
“Iran vows revenge for killing of Hamas leader in Tehran” – The Washington Post
“4 people, 3 dogs killed after mobile home intentionally set on fire: Sheriff” – ABC News
“1 dead as Colorado wildfire spreads; California Park Fire raging” – USA Today
“Katie Ledecky wins gold in women’s 1500-meter freestyle at Paris Games | Social media reacts” – USA Today
Four of five headlines cause me to “facepalm.” And, when in the car, I’m listening to KQED. The election cycle instills dread. And then there’s social media. The goings-on of the world can be overwhelming and depressing. But then I think about the beauty and goodness around me and in my life, and I breathe, I calm, and l smile. I am beguiled.
Over the remainder of the summer, we will be taking a more contemplative approach to worship with the series “Beguiled by Beauty”. The series is designed to deepen our spiritual practice to feed the well that helps us not just to survive these trying times but to thrive. I look forward to seeing you at 10 am Sunday on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream.
Invite a friend to share in the beauty.
Rev. Michael Cronin
P.S. You’re invited to share a photo of something that speaks beauty to you.
