A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
On another note, I'm almost half-way through my MPD! Sitting on around 45% monthly and already have over 50% of the one-time gifts needed!
It doesn't feel quite like Christmas (I don't know what Christmas is supposed to feel like anymore), but aside from being reminded of the salvation we have through Jesus, and to trust in God's timing, this Christmas seems that much more special because reaching the half-way mark in my support raising is a huge answer to prayer and experiencing firsthand God's provision is one of the best gifts anyone could receive.
But what is still needed to get me over the line: more prayer and action.
