By Karen Anne Smith of Ludington, Michigan USA

Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called. Be courageous and visionary, believing in the power of just a few vibrant witnesses to transform the world. Be assured that love will overcome the voices of fear, division, and deceit.

I have a new friend, and I’m very glad. We met in a long, check-out line at Dollar Tree. She came up behind my cart with an armful of stuff. Well, of course I invited her to move ahead of me. I had a cart, but her arms would quickly get tired. Then she surprised me by paying for my stuff! I didn’t expect that kindness. We chatted all the way to our cars, and my new friend told me a story. I cannot remember well enough to repeat it verbatim, but I will try.

My friend likes to give flowers away at the grocery store where, I think, she works. She gave roses to an elderly man who was perplexed. “But I have no one to give them to,” he said. She assured him that they were for him; he didn’t have to give them away. “I lost my wife last year,” the man said with tears welling up, “I’m on my way to visit her at the cemetery.” My friend gave him another rose and said, “This rose is for your wife; the others are for you.” This lovely, young woman spills light and brightens the world wherever she goes.

Thank you, friend, for sharing love, joy, hope, and peace with strangers.

Prayer Phrase

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.