Never Fearing Wild Things

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

(1 Thessalonians 5:8, 11)

I am thankful for you, my sisters and brothers in Christ.

For showing up on Sunday mornings when it was hard to get out of bed.

For writing prayers that come deeply from your hearts.

For visiting people you don’t always feel you have the time for.

For your willingness to find the Holy Spirit in dusty corners.

For fixing toilets when that was never in your job description.

For saying no so that you could care for your own body and spirit, even when that meant harsh word from someone who did not understand.

For returning to the good news after hearing so much bad news.

For finding enough energy to laugh.

For challenging ways that are not life-giving – for you and for others.

For showing up at times, and at other times choosing to rest.

For choosing love over hate.

May you know the blessing of God who knows you, celebrates you, rejoices over you, loves you, holds you and longs for you. May this blessing always be with you, sustaining you, enlivening you and always drawing you closer to the heart of the Spirit. So may it be.