“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things happen. Don’t be afraid.”
Well, that is Frederick Buechner’s advice anyway! A world diplomatic crisis (or two), large-scale weather events, genocide and displacement, national political uncertainty, personal and/or family health issues, normal parental concerns about kids (am I a ‘good enough’ parent?) – seems like the terrible is crowding out the beautiful at times. But the beautiful often needs conscious attention to be seen, noted and elevated. The smiles, the moments of connection, the words of encouragement, blossoms, the celebrations, the laughter, warm wind on the face, the God-given sense of peace. Frederick also has something to say about this….
“Listen to your life; see it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis, all moments are key moments, and life is grace itself.”
So this week I’ve been praying:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.