By Barbara Carter of Clermont, Florida USA

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pain. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love endurance gentleness.

One of my most precious earthly belongings was a porch swing. Chelsea and Charlie gave it to me for a special occasion, and I adored it. Its first home was a front porch that overlooked a cornfield. Early in the morning and at dusk, deer would walk by our porch. Many times I sat on the swing, quietly watching them meander across the yard. I loved sitting on the swing.

The swing moved with us to several other locations across the country. I didn’t have deer walking by in the other locations, but I saw sunrises and sunsets, and I saw the seasons pass while gliding on the swing. It was a sacred place for me…a simple, safe place. It was a place of deep reflection and prayer. Holy conversations about life, struggles, servanthood, calling, loneliness, frustration, and hope all happened on that swing.

This swing touched others’ lives as well. When people would visit or stay in our home, they would eventually find their way past the rocking chairs to the swing. The swing itself held no “power.” It was the act, the willingness, to relax and be open to the presence of the Holy.

The scripture from Timothy reminds us how easily we can move away from the presence of the Holy. We can fill our time and our thoughts with other endeavors. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Where do you go to anchor your mind and your soul in the Holy? My prayer for you is that you purposefully claim your place. I recommend a porch swing.

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Blessing Walk

As you walk slowly and mindfully around your neighborhood, yard, or house, look around with attentiveness. For every person you see, silently offer a blessing: “May you be surrounded by love.” For places you pass—homes, businesses, churches, shelters—offer a quiet prayer of gratitude or intercession. If walking indoors or unable to move freely, do a “blessing walk” in your mind—imagining those you love or your community and lifting each one in prayer.

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.