My word for 2016 is ATTEND.  

Although I don’t think attending is a superpower, some days I wish it was. On those days, I think if one more person promises that he or she has the superpower to right all wrongs and save US from THEM, I daydream about sticking a pencil in my (or someone else’s) eye. On my better days, however, I choose to acknowledge that while I have no superpowers and am responsible TO the World – I’m not responsible FOR it. I’m responsible FOR my life and how I choose to live it.

To that end, I will attend to what and whom I can. And I’ll remember that I don’t have to attend every argument, drama or political whack-o-doodleness to which I’m invited. Each Sunday , I’ll share something here – an image, a poem, a song or maybe even a story that’s helped me attend to what I can that week.

Janet Salbert is (among many other exquisite things) a woman, leader, pastor, teacher, spiritual director, pilgrim, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, poet, photographer, artist, blogger, and sweet child of God.  She’s also a dear friend and shero of mine.  

Via her blog, Janet frequently shares her exquisite photography, partnered with a resonant collect, she’s written.  Here’s one called Breathe,  Janet shared this spring, in the turbulent wake of the Orlando shootings.

 Merciful One, who hears the cries of our suffering creation, there are no words, only deep sighs. (deep sigh) We breathe in your loving power that overcomes all fear. (deep sigh) We breathe in your Self-giving nature that transforms all disorder. (deep sigh) We breathe in your redeeming Presence now. Soak our hearts and minds with all that establishes sincere communities ready to seriously look to the needs of others rather than striving after our own security and desire. Remind us once again that we live under your cross, not above it. Amen.