Dear Friends,

Though Benjamin Franklin was neither a Unitarian nor a Universalist, his propensity to strive for self-improvement and individual development resonate with the premises of humanism. His “Thirteen Virtues” point the way to a good moral life, though the last has always struck me as hilarious (imitation being the highest form of flattery, but does imitating make one so?). In his journal, Franklin writes of his efforts to achieve progressively his vision of human perfection. Just as he masters one virtue, he finds himself backsliding on another. He reaches the realization that he just can’t get it all together, literally, but the effort is worth his human failings.

I thought of Franklin when I saw advice for how we can make it through the pandemic intact as healthy individuals (thanks to Melinda Kjarum for this particular version). Lots of suggestions for tending to our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. Some lists long, some short. All full of excellent advice, what any of us might strive for in pre-pandemic times. And now imperative, as we fight off despair, outrage, and boredom.

And like Franklin’s list, we do the best we can. Some days, we manage one or two, other days more. One that was easy yesterday is now impossible.

There is nothing wrong with the list. It is as good as Franklin’s. And there is nothing wrong with us. We are human, prone to . . .  changing our minds about that matters and what is possible. The list is there as an aspiration, of what we know is good and wholesome, of what we might try to achieve.  It is not a judgment. It is a guide and a reminder of how we might live and where we can start again each day, with a sense of purpose and a desire for our own well-being. May we begin again, today and every day, knowing and feeling that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. Amen.

Blessings, Rev. Rita