A week of heartbreak, that’s for sure. More than would fit in any eggshell. I hurt for those injured and those injuring.

I get it. I’ve been both. Maybe you have, too.

So what will we do with that pain? How will we respond?

Our answers will, of course, vary. But whether you’re in rural Idaho or urban Minneapolis, who among us doesn’t want to be

wise…

about what we believe?

about what we want?

about whom we follow?

about ourselves?

There’s a lot at stake here, friends. What hats we wear and where we hang them will affect life as we know it from here on out. To let personalities or fear, heresay or sound bites shape decisions this big and relationships this important would be most unwise.

When my college debate teammate and I prepared for competition, we knew we that in some matches we would affirm the resolution set before us; in others, we would refute it. Consequently, we researched both sides of the issue, documenting our positions with facts, until we could verifiably defend either stance in our sleep.

Not a bad plan. Let’s do our homework as we grapple with the issues facing us today. Ask ourselves why we’re wearing our chosen Stetsons. Or berets. Or baseball caps. Ask others why they are wearing theirs. Read and listen to multiple media outlets, not just the ones we agree with. Maybe even swap hats with each other for a few days. We may not like the fit or logo, but there’s something to be said for the exchange.

Because moving toward, rather than against each other, weakens fear.

Because beneath contention are people to care about.

Because listening—and hearing deeply—are part of being wise.

Help us Lord. Help us all.

*******

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”

—Luke 6:31

“When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen . . . This is how . . .

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have

forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.'”

—Matthew 6:6-13

*******

Open-hearted.

From what can we turn?

“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps.”

—Psalm 119:59

.

If Starlings Got Jealous

Consider what else rots the bones.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

—Proverbs 14:30

.

When Baby Quail Copy Dandelions

Whom do we parrot? Why?

“So be imitators of God, as his dearly loved children. And walk in love . . .”

—Ephesians 5:1-2

.

*****

Watching Nature, Seeing Life: Through His Creation, God Speaks.