Random thoughts

One of the cats is snoozing, his body expanding with each breath, his white belly of soft fur exposed.  The sound of a fan from a bedroom of a sleeping child whispers from down the hall.  Light on a timer shuts off, radio noise softens and I sit, alone with my thoughts, focusing on what has been and dream of what will be.

A message from a distant family member, updating me on my dad’s journey west, alerting me to the car trouble that makes dad think he must head back home instead of continuing to the closer destination.  Dad is convinced to continue, a promise of a car repair and a long awaited weekend keep plans in place.  This distant cousin reminds me how much I should be thankful for my dad, of how wonderful, how loved and admired Dad is.  Yes, I know. 

The gloom of a foggy day was welcomed.  I had no distractions that sometimes come with a sunny day, no pull to be anywhere but where I was, accomplishing the things I needed to do.  Peaceful, content, quiet and rested, I move toward tomorrow.

Dear God, grant perfect rest to the restless, give hope to the hopeless.  Be with us all as we find the rhythm of our breath and comfort in our heartbeats as we dip into nightly rest.  Amen.

Sunday Stroll

I heard the song of the trees as the wind rushed through, twisting and swaying the trunks like a harpist plucking at the strings of the harp.  The ghost-like wisps of white clouds hovered overhead playing with the pale glow of the day-lit moon.  The lake reflected the sun back to the sky in a silver sheen.  Golden aspen leaves quaked as I zipped my jacket up to my chin.  The ground danced with the leaping grasshoppers, warming themselves in these last moments of October sun.  This was my worship today, my hour of Sabbath, being in creation, breathing the sounds, hearing the warmth, watching the flavors, touching time with God.  The bluffs revealed your glory, O God.  Your radiance permeated the golden grasses and your song drifted through the trees, carrying birds on wing.  To you I give praise.  Amen.

Hearts in trouble

The parents of two people I know are both suffering with heart problems.  Another man I know was in yesterday for a procedure.  I would like to lift them up in prayer, with your help, as they struggle through pokes and prods and possible surgeries.  I wrote last night about heartbeats.  I knew then about these people and I neglected mention their problems.  Sometimes that's what the Holy Spirit does, redirects the message for some unknown purpose.

Dear God, be with Steve, Jan and John and many others as their hearts are listened to, their beats counted, their health needs determined and as their loved ones wait.  You have measured our beats, you have blessed us with these lives and you have place in our lives doctors and others who can help us live lives of service for one another.  Hold steady the hands of surgeons, give patience to nurses and other caregivers, nourish the patients with never-ending love.  You are the great healer.  All is in your hands.  Amen.