As the election anxiety ramps up and as we begin to think more collectively as a nation, I thought it might be a good time to invite us to hug our cactus as a nation and as a planet. So, being guided by mercy teaches us to surrender our right to crush our political enemies when we win; being guided by love teaches us to treat our partisan counterparts with respect and patience when things are stuck in logjams and feedback loops. Isaiah sees a vision of the heavenly throne room filled with majesty and glory and holiness; at the same time on earth, one of the most successful kings in the history of Judah was dead (he ruled for 55 years and enjoyed more economic and military prosperity than almost any other king).