Good morning. I am moved by Judith’s invitation to speak with you briefly inspired by today’s theme of the urgency of passing on the best of our humanity.

Today, then I shall light the chalice for everyone. For, you see, everyone has been, and really continues to be, a child asking to receive someone’s best. Children crave receipt of their parent’s best; they yearn to obtain their neighbors’ best; and they long for the world’s best. The degree to which “the best” comes their way from each of these sources certainly varies from individual to individual.

My daughter will be here soon. Will my wife, Nicole, and I quench her craving? Will our neighbors’ support her needs? To what extent will the world nurture her?

Through the week, and then each week here at church we learn to confront multitude of challenges that may limit our capacity to give our children our best both from an individual and collective standpoint.

This interdependent web of life, replete with its challenges, though, reminds me of Talmudic warnings against aggressive shielding from pain and anxiety, as without an opportunity to experience painful situations and relationships, children are unable to develop the tools necessary to be productive and truly giving members of society.

We learn, through communion, true community, and our faith, that which is available to us to overcome such challenges and serve our children as they deserve. We learn, in the UU heritage, to promote principles of justice, love, trust, safety, tolerance, and encouragement all in pursuit of shaping the wider world for the greater good.

The 22d chapter of Proverbs relates: Train up a child in the way (s)he should go: and when (s)he is old, (s)he will not depart from it.

Please continue to bear this challenge as you pass along your best. My daughter will be here soon.

I light the chalice today for all children and for all who care for them. I light the chalice for everyone.