I promise I won’t post a photo of my coffee mug every day (I do enjoy a good coffee mug). Today though “I like it here” is exactly why I got up at 4:30 so I’d be ready to report for service as an election inspector. ⁣

Cultivating sanctuary in our physical spaces, ourselves and our relationships, while ends unto themselves, also renew us and prepare us for cultivating sanctuary in the world. I am serving today because I believe in democracy and I want my state and our country to become a place where all people can flourish. Participating in safeguarding the integrity of our voting processes is one way that I can cultivate sanctuary in the world. ⁣

How can you cultivate sanctuary in the world today and throughout what will likely be a contentious election week?

Here are some ideas to spark your imagination for how you will engage:⁣

• If you are here in the US and haven’t voted yet, please vote like your neighbor’s life depends on it—and I mean Jesus’ expansive definition of neighbor. ⁣

• ⁣Please pray for or meditate with the intention of safety for all who are voting today, for endurance for those who will wait in long lines to exercise their right to use their voice through their vote, for protection from risks of contracting Covid-19 while showing up to vote, for our nation to confront our unjust systems and do the hard work—together—of shaping this nation into a place that so many have dreamed it could be.⁣

• Check on a friend or loved one and ask “How is your spirit today? What word of promise or hope do you need to hear today?” If you are a praying person, offer to lift that up in prayer with them or on their behalf.⁣

• Pay attention to your own spirit. Notice what’s happening in your body. Getting to election results is going to be a longer process than usual, so consider how you tend to yourself for the long game. Take a break from social media or election coverage as needed. Try a breath prayer from yesterday’s post. Eat nourishing food. Get some sleep. The world needs you. If we are depleted, that limits how we can show up.⁣⁣

Remember, we are part of a larger world and we are better together.