By Scott Shephard

Sometimes we get so caught up in in anger and fear that we forget to breath. This morning I took some time to do that, but in my quiet meditation I couldn’t help but think about politics. Then, for some reason, the line “Blessed are the meek” from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount came to me. Thoughts of Trump, Biden, transition and protest vanished and I thought of our three beautiful granddaughters Glenny, Ibby and Maggie.

This morning as I look at these sleeping children, I am reminded that in a moment of gloom and darkness, there is light. And in perhaps our county’s most uncertain hour, there is hope.

Whether you “believe” or not, the Beatitudes are worth pondering today . . .

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean in heart,
for they will see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. 

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:1-10