It’s Sunday morning and the faithful have gathered. We aren’t singing the Christmas songs yet here at Hometown Friends Church, but we did have an advent message. After the service the standard question is, “How was your Thanksgiving?” Conversation with a friend sent my thoughts (and words) to the balance between time with friends and family compared to time alone. I need both. I’m guessing it would be good for me to create some time segments alone—away from home, work, and other people.

“Though what I dream and what I do
In my weak days are always two,
Help me, oppressed by things undone,
O Thou whose deeds and dreams were one!” (John Hunter)

It’s Sunday morning and the faithful have gathered. We’re sitting in the balcony today. The pews don’t have the fabric cushion, but the view is good. Time was just given for both silent and verbal nonpartisan prayer for the election and the country. My nonverbal prayer is, “Lord, I confess I need your help to know how to uphold my convictions without the arrogance of ‘I’m right and anyone who disagrees is wrong.’”