We could not be Unitarian Universalists without the dedication of past generations to democracy and its religious freedoms. And even our own dedication to the principle of democracy is being tested right now. The results of last week s election are going to prove painful, no matter what the outcome may be. Let us pray that most of us Americans remain devoted to democracy, even when we have something to lose. Most of the time, our devotion isn t going to require dramatic deeds or historical acts.
Devotion is usually a more mundane, everyday practice with discipline and even a little boredom.
There are many adults here who devote a great deal of their time to these everyday devotions. There are children who are growing up here, and some of us practice a devotion to these people of the future, giving a lot of time to their spiritual growth which we could just as easily have for ourselves. It s that same dilemma that Kathleen McTigue struggles with the presence of children in our lives often means a lot of sacrifices it s even meant a sacrifice of time and energy in here our sanctuary here on Sunday. I know from listening to the experiences of children that they are most impressed by the devotional aspect of spirituality children prefer repetition, and devotional spirituality is by definition repetitive. Because devotional spirituality requires this repetition, this can create theological conflict among Unitarian Universalists.