O Lord, it’s been a day, already.
And I haven’t even gotten out of bed.
My mind has been rushing, my thoughts are scattered, my hope is waning.
My nights can be restless. My heart can be restless, too.
There’s so much to worry about, so much I can’t control, so much heaviness.
I wonder about the future.
I wonder how I’ll make it through the day.
I wonder if I’m doing enough or doing too much.
I wonder where I’ve taken missteps and where I’ve not taken enough steps.
I yearn for peace – peace in my heart, peace in my community, peace in the world.
I long for rest – rest for my heart, mind, and body.
Rest – to simply sit in your presence.
O Lord, it’s been a day, already.
So what do I do?
How do I know you are with me?
How do I take time to sit and listen?
How can I trust?
How can I bring peace?
How can I be at peace?
O Lord, it’s been a day, already.
But the day is fresh; a new start.
The sun is rising, the clouds are breaking, rays of hope are present.
If I but open my eyes and look.
To see the beauty of a sunrise, falling leaves, and pumpkins.
To smell the freshness in coffee, baking bread, and perfume.
To touch the softness of a child’s head, the warmth of a pet, and the down of a blanket.
To taste a morning donut, soup that’s cooked all day, and dark chocolate.
To hear the chirping of birds, the greetings of neighbors, and the chimes of bells.
The day is full of possibility, full of love to be shared, full of smiles to offer.
The day is mine to make.
To bring joy to those I meet, to break bread with neighbors, to play with children.
So many possibilities, so many opportunities, so many do-overs.
O Lord, it’s been a day, already.
But as I wake and look to you.
I feel your presence.
I know the Spirit moves with me.
I see you walking before me.
I know I am not alone.
So I wake up and open my eyes, I give thanks that I am alive.
I offer my gratitude for another day, for the family who wakes up beside me, for the people I will encounter.
I am alive.
I am loved.
I am chosen.
O Lord, it is a day, a new day, brimming with possibility.
Thanks be to God.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. Her website is http://www.kimberlyknowlezeller.com
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