Dear God, ruler of heaven earth, you have brought me through another week.  I thank you for your love, your protection, your wisdom and constant care.

Things are getting so strange in this world of ours.  Of course you know that, don’t you?  From the day sin first entered the paradise you created, life that you intended for man has taken a nose dive.  Even in these times of despair, I know that you are there.

As I look back on the past week I can see your finger in the growth in our garden.  Since Paul has become the temporary gardener, I find great joy seeing him enjoy the beauty of new growth.  This week several little tomatoes started to form on our tomato plant. watered, fertilizer and checked on it each day.  He was so excited to see those little tomatoes emerge from tiny little flowers.  It warmed my heart to see that.  Little things can mean so much when the big things get in the way.  In times of trouble, we count on the fact that you are there.

This past week has been difficult in our world as we watch the COVID19 explode once more, attacking the younger generations.  Things are beginning to open up again and with it there seems to be even more to worry about.  We’re told to wear masks whenever we venture out.  We must stay six feet apart.  We’re in the middle of summer vacation and talk of reopening schools is a topic of discussion.  Protests continue regarding racism, injustice and defunding law enforcement.  Still in the midst of all this, you are there.

The heat and humidity of summer is creating a tropical effect in our state.  Corn and wheat are exploding.  Bumper crops are expected, but will there be a market for them?  I think of the days gone by, when your people struggled through storms, draughts, famine, hunger and dust bowls.  Those times come and go, but you never abandon us.  You are there.

Thank you God, for keeping me alive for another week, in spite of my breathing issues and sometimes aching body.  You are the great physician and your healing of mind and body are the only thing I can count on to make life tolerable.  You give me strength to push through all things with confidence and the assurance that you are there.

Though sin continues to run rampant we can be confident that our sins have been washed away by the final sacrifice of your only Son.  The sin of the world will continue until death, but we have the perfect hope that life goes on after we take our last breath.  By your grace we can enter heaven with clean souls.  Each day I pray for that outcome and the knowledge that when I arrive, you will be there.

Until that day, I place myself in your hands, knowing that each day is a blessing from you.  Each breath is a  promise of life.  Each sunrise brings another opportunity.  Every day provides an additional time of grace for me to tell others that you are there.

Amen!