Backstory

Thanksgiving

As always, the coffee is strong and a cat purrs in my lap. In these predawn hours, I find a little time to spend alone with God. My Franciscan guru has been encouraging me to count my time writing as a kind of prayer. I’m so legalistic at times. “But I’m not on my knees with the Book of Common Prayer open!”

She laughs at me and says, “Don’t forget to pray for others.”

So, that’s what I’m up to this morning. It is Thanksgiving and I am praying for others.

I am praying for the victims of violence in our nation and in our world. I am praying for those who live in poverty and with hunger in our nation and in our world. I am praying that all may find safety and sustenance. May these prayers change me. I can always do more than I do to put flesh on my mumbling. Change our hearts, O God. May we fall out of love with violence and hatred. May we fall more in love with one another, with You.

Today is Thanksgiving and I wanted to let you know that I am grateful for you. I am grateful for our conversations on social media and #IRL. I’m so fortunate to have y’all in my life. I’m simply fortunate.

I am happily married. I enjoy parenting. I have meaningful work. I have a charming roof over my head. Family is close by. Friends abound. There is music…so much music.

Thank you for being a part of this life.

Be excellent to each other.