Again, 10-ish. Not so much because there’s a lot going on, even though there is, but because I’ve started and erased this post a few times.
Throughout my life I’ve been on the receiving end of what I refer to ‘curse prayers’ – where someone …let’s call them well-meaning, sure… will use communal prayer …all heads bowed and eyes closed… to float out their own political viewpoints and personal agendas to a captive audience. It feels a bit like a low-key hostage situation. And, because it’s prayer – it’s bad form to give them the stank-eye or interrupt.
Knowing how that feels I didn’t want to do the same here. So, I won’t get into specifics – let’s just say that the heart of my pray list this time is the same as it’s been for the past few months. For my divided country and our hurting, broken world. I consider myself to be a citizen of both.
I’m praying that this Camino, Susie’s first, will be a wonderful experience for her – and us. She’s had a challenging few years and has had a great attitude through everything. I’m hoping the times of solitude will be thought-provoking and restorative for her. And that social times with each other and our new pilgrim friends will be a source of encouragement. Praying that we won’t get lost…but, if we do, that we can go all-in and be lost with a purpose , turning the instance into an opportunity and adventure.
Praying for loved ones at home and elsewhere in the world. That they’ll be well cared for and safe until we can meet again.
I’m praying for the people who will be given life-saving water as a result of the campaign. Marilyn & Susie’s Camino for Water | charity: water Please give them the strength to hang on until help arrives. I’m so very grateful for those who are in a position to help and who have chosen to do so. My heart goes out to those who would like to help but just can’t in this season – I’ve been there and understand. And for the organizations who are partnering with charity:water to bring the projects to life. May their resourcefulness and fortitude match their love and concern for their neighbors.
And, because this post has been a bit of a struggle, I’m going to close by borrowing a prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi (who, I found out, remarkably actually hiked the Camino de Santiago during his own lifetime!!):
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.”
Until next time.
More later…