Changes Along the Journey

Today’s message was written by Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

Lilian Carter, the mother of Jimmy Carter once said, “Every time I think I’m getting old, and gradually going to the grave, something else happens.” It is so true – life is filled with delightful detours if we are looking for them. Some changes of pace just happen to us; others we create along the way.  In either case, the lives of alert, awake, flexible humans display creative change. As someone noted, “Happiness is the art of making a bouquet of flowers right around you.”

Let us pray: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” God of love, we know in our bones that you are there, even when our bones are aching from loneliness or disease. We know in our minds that you are the center of our lives, even when our heads hurt from trying to figure out what to do next. We know in our hearts that you are love, even when we feel that love has vanished from our lives. We know in our souls that you have made us and shaped us for a reason, even when our inner core feels empty and devoid of purpose. Lord, spread your mantle of comfort and grace over those who are hurting this day. With love and appreciation, we remember the men and women serving our country in faraway places. Watch over them and their families back home. Fill our hearts now with contagious enthusiasm, joy, and hope as we partner with you to make this day a masterpiece. In Jesus’ name. Amen.