Spiritual reflection can help you savor life

It was a year and a half ago - March 30, 2021 - that the Daily Herald featured perhaps my favorite all-time editorial, "Savor every second." It stressed that we all place a little bit too much faith in our tomorrows, often taking our many blessings for granted. It ended with the wise advice, "Every day is a gift. None of it is owed or promised. Cherish every moment."

What caught my attention most that Tuesday, however, was a 1-square-inch, two-sentence article on the second page stating, "Fewer than half of Americans consider themselves members of a church, synagogue, or mosque, according to a Gallup poll released Monday. It is the first time that has happened since Gallup first asked the question in 1937, when church membership was 73%."

The editorial was written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. That pandemic continues. Now, however, we have the additional tragedy of war in Ukraine. Fears mount. Our inherent sense of decency is extraordinarily offended.

That editorial, I remember, was accompanied by a beautiful sunrise, somehow offering hope. Allow me to suggest that one's house of worship will also provide tremendous hope and comfort along with a channel to provide charity and care.

If one does not believe in God, please reconsider. There is no more appropriate focal point for our gratitude. There is no stronger resource for facing the troubles and tragedies that life invariably brings.

If you do believe in God, yet have veered away from your mosque, church or synagogue, please reconsider that. Recall the fellowship, support, and the positive influence upon families a house of worship can bring. Whether it's been two years, 20 years or a lifetime, you can always count on being most welcome there.

Bruce Bedingfield

Hoffman Estates