I’ve been spending time, Lord, reflecting on years gone by:
76 years since my birth
and 50 since ordination…
Some questions are guiding my musing and prayer,
questions of value for anyone, for everyone
at any point in our lives…
Where have I come from?
Who has guided me along my path?
Who showed me the way and took my hand
when I was too young or simply afraid
to take the next step on my own?
Who has loved me? taught me and shaped me?
Who has told me of your love and mercy?
Who protected, challenged and consoled me?
Who held me tight? Who let me go?
Who sheltered my heart and fed my soul
when times were good and times were bad?
In nights of sorrow and days of joy?
What have I done and what am I doing
with all you’ve given me, Lord?
With this singular life that’s mine to live?
How have I used, developed and shared
the gifts and talents, the traits and quirks
that mark me as me, a work of your hands,
signed by you in the ink of your blood?
And what of the state of my union with you?
Are we more than acquaintances? BFF’s?
Have I grown in the love I have for you?
Have I grown in the love that you have for me?
How does your gospel shape who I am?
Are you my way? my truth? my life?
How does your word define my boundaries?
Inform my choices? Shape my opinions?
Manage my saving and spending?
How deep is my trust in your Spirit’s lead?
In your Wisdom’s counsel?
In your promise to always
be close by my side?
How is my time with you in prayer
my refuge, my lifeline,
my haven, my joy?
And no matter how many or few there may be,
what of the days ahead of me, Lord?
It may I have more time on my hands
but if truth be told, my time grows short.
How are you calling me, drawing me closer
to you, your love, your mercy and peace?
What would you have me do, O Lord,
with the years, the months, the weeks, the days
you’ve allotted to frame my remaining time?
What plans do you have for the rest of my life?
What surprises, roadblocks and challenges?
How will you draw me deeper inside
the mystery I’ve lived since the day I was born?
So much food here for thought and prayer,
so much yet to discover and learn
but of this much, Lord, I’m certain and sure:
You call me by name, I am yours, you are mine;
my life is the story of your love for me;
my story begins and unfolds in time
until there comes the end of my days
when time is no more
and you are my all…
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Till the end of my Lord,I will bless your name,Sing your praise, give thanks,All my days.
You have made me little less than a god,And have lavished my heart with your love,With dignity and honor you’ve clothed me,Given me rule over all.
You have blessed me with good things and plenty,And surrounded my table with friends.Their love and their laughter enrich me;Together we sing your praise.
Your sun and your moon give me light,And your stars show the way through the night,Your rivers and streams have refresh me.I will sing your praise.
