Thank You, God, for lighting my way. You have sprinkled my path with writers and theologians and artists of all kinds, with those You have also led, with the Spirit of community; and I am grateful. Thank You for the brightness of Your message, the ease of settling in to Your will once I surrendered, and the calm that stills my fainted breath in times of struggle. When all I did was push and pull, You gently led and subtly nudged. When all I believed was harsh and punishing, You showed me Love and acceptance in others. When all I knew was doubt and fear, You blessed my soul with faith and desperation. Oh, the gifts are so many, the gifts that led me to You and keep me with You; and I am overwhelmed. Today, God, I feel Your arms surrounding me, I see Your footsteps guiding me, I know Your heart beating within me. Today, God, I know the enemy remains in earshot, in reaching distance of my spirit. And today, God, I know Your Light shines brighter than that foe. All I have to do is look to You, and I know.

Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy;
when I fall, I shall rise;
when I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be a light to me.
– Micah 7:8 (NRSV)