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Good morning. Theodore Roosevelt whose birth in 1858 we remember today, was known as a person of action who tried to achieve justiceÌýand fairness at home and abroad. His efforts for world peace were recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.

Teddy or TR as he was known, said on one occasion:

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

A gregarious figure, it seemed that little could daunt Teddy Roosevelt. Yet like most of us, he had moments when he was helpless to change his circumstances. When his wife died shortly after giving birth to their daughter, he was overwhelmed by grief and wrote in his diary: ‘The light has gone out of my life’.

It seems to me that this is an apt description of the pain of bereavement. Losing someone or something we love or care for deeply may leave us feeling isolated as if somehow we are left alone in the darkness. The Psalmist knew this to be true and yet, believed that God was still near:

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid.?... Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

ÌýAt times, of course, waiting is all we can do… yet in those moments, Christian faith teaches that God waits with us. While we may feel alone, God will not abandon us.Ìý

Thank you Lord, for the assurance of your presence with us always.

Give to us this day the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,

The courage to change the things we can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

Amen.

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