Small Victories

I’ll never forget the time when I went surfing with a good friend who had been out of the water for over a year and a half. He was injured while surfing and had a hard time recovering. The pain was so intense that ordinary activities like climbing stairs and holding his child became impossible. He was a young man and you can imagine the despair he must have felt.

The day we surfed was holy. It marked the end of a long stretch of recovery. He said it felt like a baptism – a rebirth. The waves were not great – but we celebrated. We had to celebrate.

As human beings, we need celebrations. No, life doesn’t always have such happy endings. But, there are small victories along the way – even in the direst of circumstances. Today, may God give you eyes to see small victories in your own life – and in the lives of those around you. May you be encouraged by them. And, whenever possible, may you celebrate!

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, for the times when we have experienced healing, forgiveness, change of situation, or change of heart for the better. We thank you for glimpses of your love and providence. When we notice your hand at work, we are sustained by hope. But today we admit that there are times when life feels dark, when we can’t see beyond our problems, and despair creeps in. Meet us in those moments. Fill us with courage and strength. Remind us of your grace and grant us new hope even as you fill us with new life. Amen.