“Whatever you do, do it gently and unhurriedly, because virtue is not a pear to be eaten in one bite.”

Seraphim of Sarov

International Day of Tolerance – from the UN Declaration of Principles on Tolerance

“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is not only a moral duty, it is also a political and legal requirement. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace.

Tolerance is not concession, condescension or indulgence. Tolerance is, above all, an active attitude prompted by recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. In no circumstance can it be used to justify infringements of these fundamental values…

Consistent with respect for human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one’s convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one’s own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behaviour and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are.”

“I think it’s so foolish for people to want to be happy. Happy is so momentary–you’re happy for an instant and then you start thinking again. Interest is the most important thing in life; happiness is temporary, but interest is continuous.”

Georgia O’Keeffe, born on this day in 1887

“It’s on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.”

Claude Monet, born on this day in 1840

“From radiant dawns
You hope for shining clear days.
Love appeared, but then shattered me
Like many others I do not name
For they know who they are.
I know myself as someone
Who constantly mourns Love.

The peasant says, “Wait for evening
Before you praise the day’s beauty.”
Understanding so late
Makes me cry out: “Alas my life!
Where is the rapture
And peace of Love
She gave so lavishly at first?”

Hadewijch of Antwerp

Psalm 8 reimagined by Christine Robinson

“Many-Named One
   beyond imagining–
When I contemplate the night sky,
  the cosmos which all unfolded from a speck,
galaxies, stars, this beautiful earth—
Who are we humans, that you attend to us?
   mere mortals in our tiny corner, and you love us?
  We are life come to knowing and feeling.
The whole world is in our hands.
  plants and animals, oceans and ice caps, rain forests
  atmosphere and ecosystem.
Touch our hearts, O God,
make us worthy of this trust
Help us care for life on this beautiful earth.”

“Send Thy peace O Lord,
which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we may think, act and speak harmoniously.
Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace O Lord,
that amidst our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace O Lord,
that our lives may become a Divine vision and in Thy light, all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace O Lord,
our Father and Mother, that we Thy children on Earth may all unite in one family. Amen.”

Hazrat Inayat Khan

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.”

Martin Luther, born on this day in 1483

“The world isn’t getting any easier. With all these new inventions I believe that people are hurried more and pushed more… The hurried way is not the right way; you need time for everything – time to work, time to play, time to rest.”

Hedy Lamarr, actress and inventor, born on this day in 1914

“A Unitarian holds the view that no-one has yet found the final and complete truth. We can, however, try to grasp a good measure of it and hold it till we become capable of something more. The search for truth has its own reward – it brings new meaning and dignity into life.”

Gábor Kerecki (1914 – 1995), Unitarian minister