audacious thanks

 audacious thanks

"walk out your lament on a path of praise."--Rainer Maria Rilke

standing in ashes of a burned home

may we shelter one another

in the ruins of relationship

may we choose essence

for a dwindling bank account

may we share in security

at loss of life

may we embrace moments

in disappointment of all sizes

may we dare honesty

at closed doors and dead ends

may we follow well

amid darkness of unknowing

may we protect

for unexpected diagnoses

may we render compassion

when met with anger and suspicion

may we hound down love's invitation

when evil surfaces

may we speak justice

when tempted to retaliate

may we race mercy

for imbalance of power

may we walk humbly

when footholds are lost

may we test trust

for our many human hungers

may we nourish and sustain

in vulnerability

may we lend strength

in the face of indifference

may we care deeply

when denial seems easier

may we meet reality's gaze

when self-pity stalks

may we turn outward

when charity is torn out by the roots

may we transplant healing touch

when one part suffers

may we bear it together

in pain 

may we feel the joy just beyond

when our hearts fail

may faith flame out

in the presence of foolishness

may we choose wisdom

in false needs to own

may we set free

instead of a curse

may we rejoice

in much turmoil

may we be still

on the ambulance ride

may we bring comfort

and when the pantry is empty

may we give our full and most

audacious thanks

"praise is a response to goodness; praise and goodness are bigger than fear or sorrow, thus we 

can wrap lamentation and sorrow into something beautiful, and this love of goodness keeps us going."--Matthew Fox & Julian of Norwich

ls 11.25.2020