The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly
themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise, we love only
the reflection of ourselves we find in them.
Thomas Merton.
Yesterday, our daughter began her senior year of High
School. Today, we drive our son to
college. I invite you to pray with me.
God whose first name is love and who crafts us to be
love. God, You continually test and try
new ways, inviting us into the Divine Dance of evolving. God, You never stopped creating, so that each
day is a new creation. Meet every person
in the holy mystery of this present moment. I pray for all students beginning school this
year. I pray for teachers,
administrators, governing bodies, and all institutions living in a time when
foundations don’t seem as firm as they once were. Yet, we tumble forward focused not only the
problems, but on the present young people who have wisdom and insight that can
help. Help us listen to all, not just to
some. Help break down generational barriers
that too often divide us. Help us be aware
of our criticisms of self and other. I
pray that each student would find ways to let their light shine, to be fully
her or himself…not reflections of who someone else wants them to be. And yet, we know that we are who we are
because of relationships. This divine
dance between “me” and “we” is not easy.
We step on toes and get out of rhythm.
Help us when our words wound.
Help us when we storm off the dance floor in a huff. Help us, O God, when we cling to certainty
rather than curiosity. I pray for
families, for new friendships, for ways of being here and now that would live
into the mystery of the present moment.
In the name of the One who gathered twelve disciples, friends,
companions for the journey, Jesus the Christ.
Amen.
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