Greetings Chalice!

So I went through a low period recently. I was worn down by the state of our country, consumed by my job, sleep deprived, and didn’t feel much like a human being. Yet there was some part of my brain that said “This will pass.” And it did. As I was coming out of my funk, our UU hymn “For All That Is Our Life” came to mind. I was in the car and asked Android Auto to play it.

For all that is our life we sing our thanks and praise;

for all life is a gift which we are called to use

to build the common good and make our own days glad.

For needs which others serve, for services we give,
for work and its rewards, for hours of rest and love;
we come with praise and thanks for all that is our life.

For sorrow we must bear, for failures, pain, and loss,
for each new thing we learn, for fearful hours that pass:
we come with praise and thanks for all that is our life.

For all that is our life we sing our thanks and praise;
for all life is a gift which we are called to use
to build the common good and make our own days glad.

Tears came to my eyes as I listened to the beautiful lyrics. This seems to me a good way to be in the world: to be thankful for “all that is our life”, even the difficult times; to use that life gift for the common good; to learn from our trials and tribulations; and to find joy.

I am thankful for my Unitarian Universalist faith and the way it has enriched my life. And I am particularly thankful for Chalice, for this wonderful community of loving and caring people trying to make the world a better place together. It has been an honor to serve you as your Board President.

Blessings to you all,

Lara Brown

President, Board of Trustees