Moment of Perspective – Our Seventh Principle – AJ Fox

The opening words are Praise the World in All its Pain and Blessing, by Maureen Killoran.

We are called today, from the midst of pain and challenge, we are called to praise the world. From a world that appears broken, we are called to praise life’s moments of joy and grace. From time that seems to freeze in ongoing exchanges of platitudes and blame, we are called to reach out to those around us…to connect with those we care about…to try to make amends with those from whom we are estranged. The world is too fragile. There is too much pain. Let us bring our hearts together on this day. Let us praise the mutilated world, in all its blessing and its pain.

We Celebrate the Web of Life
Lyrics by Alicia S. Carpenter; used with permission by the Estate of Alicia Carpenter
Music: Public Domain
Accompanied by Eva Riebold with Live Congregational Singing

The closing words are A Prayer among Friends, by John Daniel.

Among other wonders of our lives, we are alive
with one another, we live here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn’t ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.