Fall 2024

Greetings to all Chesterfield residents. 

I hope your summer has gone well as we approach another fall and exciting time of the year!

Because of the timing for the publication, editing and printing of the newsletter, I am writing my message in mid-July, although you are not receiving this until late August. 

Just a few days ago, my wife and I attended one of the free concerts the City provides at our amphitheater. With the weather cooperating and a popular band, the crowd was overflowing, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the event. Unfortunately, just an hour or so before the concert began, an attempt was made in another state to assassinate former President Donald Trump. So, we have two extremes of human behavior—one of appreciation and togetherness, and the opposite of destruction. 

While acknowledging what is known as separation of church and state—which comes from the First Amendment of our Constitution and states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”—I am willing and inclined to share something with my fellow residents.

My personal observation is that in our world that has become so politically polarized, many of us have lost our ability to have an objective attitude toward issues we face. This is made even more difficult because of the deliberate exaggeration and misinformation put forth by both sides, be it left, right, liberal, conservative, etc. I acknowledge that I have a preference, and a strong one at that, but I must at least attempt to restrain myself from expressing myself too forcefully. 

There are times when I happen to see something on one or the other “news” channels and am either outraged or recognize that the side I am biased toward is exaggerating the truth. During these times, I am able to reflect for spiritual guidance to give me relief from the feeling of outrage. When I am able to do this, I gain a peaceful state of mind that prevents me from saying or doing something I may later regret. I tend to think that most who may be reading this newsletter don’t need to have this concept suggested to them, but maybe it is helpful to have it reinforced. Yes, call it prayer, meditation or some introspection that gives us the strength and wisdom to do and say (or not say) the right thing. What is just as important, or more important, is the relief and peace that this conscious decision to ask for help in dealing with real-life situations can bring. 

In the known history of the world, mankind does not have a good track record of treating each other with civility and respect, let alone living in peace. For myself, I say a prayer for our country and all of humanity. Let us not self-destruct!

Cordially,
Bob Nation