Author: clfuu

Norbert Čapek, 20th Century Czech Unitarian minister, developed the Flower Festival as a way to recognize that like a bouquet of flowers, each of us brings a different sort of beauty and a different perspective to our community. Here is his prayer over the flowers:

“Infinite Spirit of Life, we ask thy blessing on these, thy messengers of fellowship and love. May they remind us, amid diversities of knowledge and of gifts, to be one in desire and affection and devotion to thy holy will. May they also remind us of the value of comradeship, of doing and sharing alike. May we cherish friendship as one of thy most precious gifts. May we not let awareness of another’s talents discourage us, or sully our relationship, but may we realize that whatever we can do, great or small, the efforts of all of us are needed to do thy work in this world.”

Notice and appreciate the beauty in the differences you see in others today.

William Ellery Channing believed that we were called as humans to practice self-culture, the care and growth of the self. He likened it to agriculture, the care and growth of carefully-selected crops. While Channing’s focus on how to grow has not held up well through the years, the idea that each of us deserves the right conditions to foster our growth has.

What are ways you would like to grow? What are the conditions you would need to exhibit that growth?

Today let us think about the people in our lives–of all genders and relationships to us–who have nurtured us. Those who loved us in difficult times. Those who sat with us through our worst. Those who encouraged us to be better people, and who guided us in that task.

Who are the people who have nurtured you? Hold them in your heart throughout the day.

The union of two people or two entities requires negotiation. The best negotiations don’t get mired in positions, but instead focus on needs and values. Each party must be able to articulate their values and state their needs; each party must be able to say how they will help meet the needs of the other. Sometimes, sacrifices are made. Sometimes, synergy is developed.

How can you make your needs and values known to others today in generative ways?

When two roads or tracks merge, care must be taken by everyone approaching the merge point. In a car, merges work best when people take turns. It is necessary to watch out for others and good practice to use courtesy and compassion.

Notice where your pathway intersects with others today. How are you treating them at those merges?