pastor prayers

Each night at supper time, we say a grace that consists of each person saying what they are thankful for. I was introduced to the practice by my friend and then-roommate Jill right after seminary, and came to love it as a simple way to reflect on the day. One’s theology can change over time, but god help us if we ever lose the need to give thanks. Our 4 year-old son Kian rarely begins a meal without ‘thankful fors’, as he calls them, and often is our biggest enforcer, including choosing the order in which we will share. When we sit down to dinner everyone is hungry and Enrique and I are especially in a hurry to get to the brass ring at the end of the day: the window of quiet time for grown-ups after supper, bath and bed for Kian. Let’s just say that thankful fors can be a little rushed.

Now that we’ve reached the delicious evening and the house is quiet, my heart swells with all I have to be thankful for just from this one day.

As Emerson might say, we are in the midst of a “refulgent summer” and it is indeed a luxury to draw the breath of life. I give thanks and praise for the simple joys I have had the time to savor today. Noticing the progress of our garden: the height of the tomatoes, the broad leaves of squash, the preponderance of mint. Tossing the baseball to Kian, who loves tapping the bat against the base (a brick left over from the patio) and wiggling his butt vigorously much more than actually hitting the ball. The precious hours I got to spend alone, tending to my being with exercise, practicing congas, and reading. The reunion with the family at the end of the day. For Enrique who stopped at the farmer’s market when he could have just sped home, and brought us a scrumptious harvest of fresh peas, tomatoes, and beets. For the time spent shelling the peas, opening each pod to let its fruit spill out, smooth and round over my fingertips and into the bowl. For Kian’s earnest efforts to open the pods, and his companionship while we did the most delightful chore I can ever remember doing. And then for the taste of the peas, enjoyed in the back yard where we eat as many summer dinners as possible, with tabouli and veggie burgers and happy conversation. And the cherry on top: Scott Wells’ assistance with getting the kinks worked out of my blog setup.

Thanks and praise be to the source of all, whose presence felt so near to me in all these things this day. Amen.