I stopped by All Saints Convent in Catonsville today to pray for my friend who is dying of cancer, and for all of us who have been united once again via the blessing of Caring Bridge and the internet. As I drove down the roads of my childhood and young adulthood, decades of my life, my decisions and attitudes, then and now, came rushing back. I could almost see my different selves riding along. I think it is a sad fact of human nature to want to put our lives in neat little boxes and forget what has brought us to our current place. It is so tempting to want to put our past behind us to the point where we forget to express our gratitude to God for bringing us down the paths we have traveled to get us to where we are now.
Each stop on the road of our life is a gift. Each person we meet is placed there for a reason. All our troubles and difficulties are there for our own benefit and the benefit of those around us.
Oh God,
I pray that I never again take for granted
the many gifts you have given me.
I thank You for everyone and everything You have sent me in my life
and I pray for the grace to use Your gifts
and to learn Your lessons
as You would have me do.
~Amen
Note: The photo is one I took today of a tree on the convent property that was just burning with color. Just gorgeous.
Great prayer. That is a hard one for me to pray. I think I'll copy it down for practice.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Anne. Being truly grateful for all God has given me is very difficult.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture. What a picture day. What a beautiful idea. I'm sure our friend appreciates it. It is amazing how "upset" can bring a community (even an old one) together again,isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYeah, exactly. That's what I've been thinking, too. God works everything out for good!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful prayer. Thank you. I have discovered that giving thanks everyday regardless of how I feel helps me to be more grateful, if that makes sense. It isn't always easy though. God bless.
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