Wonderings--December 1

 We all have days when we are a bit more introspective. Reflective. And thoughtful. December 1st is always one of those days for me. 

Today is first of all a day of joy for me. I have completed another lap around the sun for the 46th time (and I expect many, many more trips). 

Jennifer was the first person to wish me a happy birthday. But then the day took a surprising turn--a joyful one at that. Shortly after 7 as I was enjoying some coffee while getting ready my iPhone rang. I was getting a text. My niece Indyca texted to wish me a happy birthday. I didn't expect her to send something so quickly. They usually call me in the evening. Then I got a message from Autumn, JonMark's girlfriend. . . on and on it went. 

Walking to the church I felt blessed today. 

Part of my introspection and reflection leads me back to some familiar voices and teachers that help frame my life. Their words shape and direct my spiritual life and walk. Today it was Thomas Merton. For years I have appreciated his well-written and challenging teaching.  

While spending time in solitude Merton offered the following prayer that I thought about today: 

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

As I continue through my morning and visit with some church members and later enjoy a fellowship dinner, those words will be in my heart. We may not know exactly where we are going but God does. We may not know the motivation of our choices fully, but God certainly does. 

I wonder if Merton's words speak to your life today? Perhaps this prayer offers you a choice that is unexpected. . . I wonder what God might be asking you today?

Blessings

Rev. Derek