Welcome to the 'silly season'

We are officially in the 'silly season'. That's the time of year (mid to late summer) when ridiculously frivolous news stories abound as the more newsworthy events typically happen with less frequency. The silly season is a part of politics as well.

Have you seen the ad that chides President Obama for taking a vacation with his family? The same group of lovely people that created the swift boat ads created this ad. I saw it on MSNBC this morning. There are those who will claim the ad is really about voting down the proposed healthcare plan, and of course that is a large part of the message. But the obvious inference, even if not the primary intent, is that the president is foolish and careless to be vacationing right now.

Yes, I am annoyed, and even slightly angry about this ad and the sentiment that our president should not leave D.C. right now to spend some quality time with his family. Of course I want leaders who work hard, see tasks through to the end, and set an example of what it means to be committed and dedicated to their calling. But I also want leaders who make their family a priority, who see self care as a worthy practice, who set an example of what it means to have balance in your life. I'm not speaking of just our president, but of all those who serve as leaders; leading others by way of example.

It would be difficult to find anyone not hiding under a rock who wouldn't agree that this is a difficult time for our country. We're in the throes of a health care reform crisis (I have to call it such when people come armed to town hall meetings and bark out ridiculous claims of Nazism against those who favor the president's plan). We've got women and men in our armed forces dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. California's unemployment rate continues to climb. Racism is alive and well. I could go on and on. But realistically speaking, would there ever be a time when there is not a crisis of some sort, or there is nothing but peace, quiet, and harmony throughout the land? Only in my dreams! All the more reason that we need all of our leaders to take time now and again to rest their bodies, minds, and spirits; refresh and rejuvenate in order to return to the difficult work with a renewed strength. Balance the struggles, challenges, and disappointments with time for rest and joy. As a minister, this is what I do for myself and my congregation - take time to care for myself in order to better care for my people.

Please find time to work for balance in your life. Care for yourself and you will be able to better care for others. You may not be able to take a vacation to Martha's Vineyard next week, but you can find the joy in a small moment of rest for your body, mind, and spirit, and be grateful that you are not the president!

There's more joy somewhere - keeping looking!