Give Someone a Break Today

Okay, so it's 103 degrees and your hair melts in the sun. All you want to do is get to a cool place. But as I was going to the Central Post Office this afternoon, the Spirit led me in another direction.

The lights were out at Jennings Road and Weston Street, and traffic was snarled everywhere! Ugh - another delay. And then I noticed that two Hartford police officers were there in their dark blue uniforms, long pants, standing in the sun on the hot pavement directing the traffic so the rest of us could get where we needed to go. I was glad I didn't have their job! So, when I finished my errand, it occurred to me that since they couldn't take a break, the least I could do is provide some refreshment, so I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and bought a couple of ice cold bottles of water, walked over to the side of the road, and left them there for the police officers. From the expression on their faces, you would have thought I gave them a hundred dollars! I felt good, and they felt appreciated.

On these hot summer days, let's make it a point to think less of ourselves and be more considerate of others -- especially those whose jobs don't allow them the luxury of air conditioning while they are making our lives better!

Have a blessed day! don

Happy Independence Day

As I checked my e-mail this morning, I was greeted by an e-mail from the Rt. Rev. Elias Chakupewa, newly-elected Bishop of Tabora, Tanzania, home of our partner parish, Mbugani Holy Trinity Church. He was recalling being in the United States on July 4, 2008, and seeing the fireworks and what a privilege it was to be here in the home of free societies taking part in our national celebration.

Elias' email is a reminder of how we in the United States continue to be a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world, and a reminder of the awesome responsibility we have as Christians in a free society. As we celebrate our independence, let us recall the Collect for Independence Day from our Prayer Book:

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord,k who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one god, for ever and ever. Amen.

Have a blessed and safe 4th of July holiday! Don