Years ago, I had the chance through work with Habitat for Humanity to meet President Carter and attend one of the Sunday school classes he taught in Plains, Georgia. The sermon that day was from Peter, and President Carter’s theme was “even though” – the idea that faith is worthy even though – or maybe especially when – it might bring hardship.

Later on, he answered a question about what made him most proud. He talked about his family, eradicating guinea worm disease, and “some political things too,” like his work in the Middle East.  Then quietly and slowly he said, “I’m proud that I led our nation for four years, through a difficult period.  We never dropped a bomb.  Never launched a missile.  Never fired a bullet.” Knowing how strong the critique of these decisions was back then – and even now  – these comments struck me as particularly meaningful. “Even though.”

Dear ones, sometimes it’s what we do makes all the difference.

Sometimes it’s what we choose not to do.

Through it all, may we keep our faith.

“HOPE IS DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME THING AS OPTIMISM. IT IS NOT THE CONVICTION THAT SOMETHING WILL TURN OUT WELL, BUT THE CERTAINTY THAT SOMETHING MAKES SENSE, REGARDLESS OF HOW IT TURNS OUT.”  

– VACLAV HAVEL