(WHEN) THE JOURNEY IS LONG

(Recently I noticed that the feelings I have during these difficult days are much like the ones I felt during my time with cancer. I began remembering the practices and people who helped me through that time, and these have inspired today’s post.)

A PRAYER FOR PERSEVERANCE

The load can feel so heavy,
the road so very long,
but every day I’m helped to know
you always come along.

Center

Help me to find the holy
in everything I do,
to make a sacred ritual
of lacing up my shoes,
to greet the ones whom I will meet
as treasured gifts from you,
to look upon creation
as your sanctuary true,
to find your hope-filled presence
as the sunrise comes in view.

Resist

You know I’m not a fighter, God,
for the challenges ahead
but give me peace and courage
to resist these things I dread.
I’ll not prepare for battle
but rely on you instead–
for integrity and purpose
as down this road I tread;
a visible example
of your gentle presence led.

Support

Thank you for companions
who care to join with me;
who pray and help and serve and write,
and stand in unity.
We’ll keep on moving forward
until the day we see
an end to war and greed and hate;
when everyone lives free,
and love and peace and justice reign
for all eternity.

Rest

I will take the time to breathe
(it’s a journey, not a race);
there are no easy answers
to these burdens we now face.
I’ll persevere, continue on
but let you set the pace.
If I should fail or falter
I will trust upon your grace,
and when I do grow weary,
I will rest in your embrace.

Thank

I thank you, God, with all my heart
for blessings you bestow.
The days may be uncertain
but your love remains, I know;
you brighten up this path ahead
with your eternal glow,
and when I feel discouraged,
and my spirit becomes low,
I feel your quiet presence
guiding me to stay and grow.

(Photo by my beloved husband Jim–thanks for going through life with me!)