Building strength through patience

Geese take a dip near High Pastures Road in Pomfret, Vermont, in October. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As I drove along Route 4 in Woodstock late Wednesday afternoon, Mother Nature was a model of peace, calm, and settled radiance, as the setting sun's soft yellow light illuminated the trees alongside the road. Though so much has changed this year, some of the steady markers of life remind us how brilliant the world still is.

Obviously, scenes like that sunlight filling the woods are a great contrast to the tension and furor of a hotly contested election. We've seen many of those feelings throughout the year, and especially over the last several weeks.

Another trend in recent days has been the appeals for patience, as votes are counted in battleground states. These days, that particular virtue takes work, and we all know that feeling of grasping for patience and calm when they seem in short supply.

But the reality is, we each have those good qualities in abundance, just like the neighborly virtues we saw in action around the country earlier this year, when so many people united to confront challenges amid the pandemic. That pattern of kindness has continued throughout these months, and we can still harness those qualities to remain calm and vigilant this week. That's the only way to confront any fear or anxiety we may feel.

Even as a small group of battleground states continue to count votes, we can't forget the inspiration of seeing so many early voters determined to take part in this historic election. That showed our strong, collective dedication to that larger cause: the country as a whole. It was a clear sign that Americans can still work together for the greater good if they're compelled to do so.

As we continue what could be a long week, let's keep unity foremost in our minds, and continue to work toward building it among our neighbors and communities, step by step. We've been blessed with having a peaceful vote thus far, and we can still harness that momentum for the greater good, as we remain patient, loving and vigilant during this process. We can help each other embrace those qualities, be guided by them, and walk this path together in strength.

— Gareth Henderson