If you move soft enough through the wind or woods, they say the sun will make a space for you. Some of your regrets might soften. I move terribly. I crush twigs and spiders but the horses say nothing of it; they let me pet their long manes. I hop on and we walk out […]
Life is grace. Sleep is forgiveness. The night absolves. Darkness wipes the slate clean, not spotless to be sure, but clean enough for another day’s chalking.
Frederick Buechner– The Alphabet of Grace.
We all deserve this peace. Yet it is most challenging to consider the act of forgiveness. It seems to be much easier to hold onto the anger and bitterness.
I wonder why so often people chose not to forgive. Maybe better for gossip, maybe better for attention, certainly because of pride and ego. Yet our bodies and spirits pay a great price as does the world around us.
We all deserve peace but do we understand what that truly means? Are there enough examples of living in peace to teach its value?
May the true value of peace be known. May the importance of forgiveness be understood. May we be living examples of community formed through the healing grace of forgiveness.
*(quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
Some days my faith feels smaller than a mustard seed. I know that seed to be very, very small. And yet I am reminded – the small mustard seed produces an amazing tree – present for shelter and spice.
Whether the mustard seed grew into a sheltering tree or a small plant, our Creator could use it to spread peace and healing. How – I cannot say. It is a mystery or maybe better explained as a miracle. What I do believe – the smallest of faith, as is shown in the mustard seed, can be used for the greatest of gifts.
With this miracle in mind, I share the prayer below. May it offer renewal and inspiration.
By your Grace
we are forgiven,
in your peace
our lives are lived.
By your touch
we know healing,
in your strength
are we made whole.
When this is forgotten,
our focus on self,
your face obscured,
forgive and restore.
Take our mustard seed of faith
and let it grow,
take root
and blossom
in our hearts and lives.
Through your beloved –
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
(adapted from prayer found on website Faith and Worship)
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Carrie's Bench 
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