Dear Friends,
August always carries reminders of change in New England. The air has a “coolness” even on a day with full sun. Here and there, I see a single red leaf as I look down on my morning walk. At the lake, activity has quieted…ski boats, jet skis and skiers are still here, but with less intensity. Canoe, kayak, pontoons and paddle boards quietly claim the added space, so that we humans can savor the peaceful mood that comes at the end of Summer.
As a perpetual student, this passage into September is a time of new beginning for me. Fall brings a return to certain activities and an opportunity to review – what is important to me after the season of play and respite? How do I want to use these precious days as they get shorter and shorter? How do you?
I was recently introduced to these particular words of Howard Thurman, a philosopher, author, mystic, and spiritual teacher of the 20th century, a voice I’ve valued in the past. In this piece he prays, “Open Unto Me,” and I find myself hearing a prayer for this particular season in my life and for our shared human experience. Thurman names the challenges that we face, with their antidote penned right alongside. He repeats, and in doing so, enables, a clear invitation – an exchange between me and my God. Open unto me, O God, trust in the midst of uncertainty, this is how I want to live these coming days.
(Friends, to enhance your experience of the prayer, please enjoy this music video. My membership gvies you access, if you add your email. Offered with love. https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/premieres/3443)
Blessings, Lisa
Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me
Open unto me, light for my darkness
Open unto me, courage for my fear
Open unto me, hope for my despair
Open unto me, peace for my turmoil
Open unto me, joy for my sorrow
Open unto me, strength for my weakness
Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion
Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins
Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness
Open unto me, love for my hates
Open unto me, Thy Self for myself
Lord, Lord, open unto me!
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