Consider national, regional, or local founding stories that are familiar to you. Focus on the way you first learned the story, perhaps as a child or as a newcomer or visitor to an area. What happens in the story? What is its tone? Does the story contain elements, themes, or traits that are said to continue in contemporary times?

Many people find the story of Sarah, Hagar, and Abraham difficult or morally ambiguous. You may have heard this story before. Who told or read you the story? Which, if any, lessons were you told the story illustrated?

Reflect on how you might have answered these questions as an eight-year-old child, a fourteen-year-old youth, or a young adult making your way in the world. Envision the way you would like to respond when you are an elder, looking back on your life.

Bring each person in your group into your mind and hold them in appreciative thought and/or prayer.