Reading
The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
Psalm 138:3 (The Message)
Reflection
This has been the last week of school for many—the time of year when chaos hasn’t just ensued but triumphantly reigns. It’s a season of relief and the long-awaited conclusion of one set of routines and the adoption of summer ones. The pomp and glory of graduations is still fresh, even as our gaze turns toward vacations, camp, move-in dates, and the beginnings of whole new seasons of life.
And yet for others, the only change in the passage of time is marked by the ever-evolving, ever-advancing weather across the southern plains—moments of sunshine and rain, thunder and hail, stillness and violence.
Wherever you are right now, I hope these words help you name what you’re feeling. I hope they serve as a prayer, a meditation, or even a roadmap for writing down some of your own.
You have permission in this moment. Take this time. Simply be as you are. Acknowledge yourself in the presence of our loving and caring God—whose Spirit is with you: to comfort and calm, to encourage and uplift, to welcome you and stay.
Holy Spirit, come.
Come and be with us…
as we are overwhelmed with noise and stand in silences,
as we shed tears when it feels right and when it doesn’t,
as we take one more picture, even when our children’s eyes have rolled out of focus.
Come and be with me…
as I miss what was and hope for what’s to come,
as I grieve the normal things I never expected to lose,
as I celebrate the small and quiet things in and around the big things too.
Come and lead us…
as we choose rest over striving,
as we take deep breaths over pants and gasps,
as we trust the decisions we’ve made for the days ahead.
Holy Spirit, come.
I believe you are still at work.
In my waiting,
in my winding down,
and in my wondering.
Come now, Lord, as you are.
I am here as I am.
AMEN.
