Presence

Lord, thank you for being my companion on life’s journey, each day, and in each moment, including this one. Help me to tune in to your presence now…   

Scripture

Colossians 3:12-15

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. ¹³ Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Reflection

It’s her fault. His fault. Their fault. We’re quick to blame, to take offence, to hold a grudge. We’re slow to forgive and slower still to forget. The characteristics of our Christian faith – compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience – take work. It can be difficult to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient when we feel aggrieved and put upon. We might manage one or two, but all five? That’s a big ask. Yet if we practice gratitude, if we are thankful for all we have been given or not given, then we will begin to live a truly Christian life.

Closing prayer 

Dear God, bring to my mind someone I think has done me wrong. Show me how I can be grateful for what happened, for the lesson you taught me that I didn’t see. Starting today, I will make gratitude a daily habit.  Help me live my faith.  Amen.