The lesson for me, at least, is that the degree to which I embrace an orientation towards gratitude, love, empathy, and compassion the greater my capacity to express those values to others around me.

I remain persuaded by the Christian hope of resurrected living, by the view of a church that embraces the complexity and messiness of life while also learning to love and live in community – and not in a superficial or naïve sense, but in a way that reaffirms our bonds to one another without denying the essential and unique humanity expressed in every one of us.