I love to be reminded that our stories are not mistakes. That every piece of our story can be used to change us or those around us - and that much of the ultimate change is good. I never like the story as I am living it it seems. I want respite from our stories of crisis that seem relentless of the last 3 years. And yet, i believe there is a God who orchestrates love and hope for His people. And that my trust in a power greater than myself is where my help comes from - and in many ways I am off the hook for making it all work out great or controlling my days. I am on the hook to stay alive through them - to keep my eyes open and my ears perked and my feet ready - so that I may not get myself out of all the difficult circumstances but that I may take each and every step offered before me with the hope to participate in the great glory to be revealed

Below was our benediction today and I thought it was great so I wanted to share it:

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that we may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in this world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.