Thunder booms across the dark sky and rain spatters on the deck. Fall rain! Cooler weather on the way! What could be better? My dog is stretched out on the carpet beside me, thankful for shelter and food. So, for that matter, am I. (Not stretched out on the carpet, but thankful.) Some time I will tell you the story of Nemo, not the Disney fish but my dog of the same name.
And this morning, I’m thinking about many things. The Marine, jailed in Mexico for accidentally entering that country with two guns which he had purchased legally in the USA. His crime? He missed the turn that would have taken him back home and mistakenly crossed the border. He’s still there in jail. The people living in our country who are terrorists and wish nothing better than to kill us. Threats to our freedoms, without and within. So many negatives. So many reasons to worry, or so many reasons to pray? I prefer praying! And, it’s time we all realized that’s the best single thing we can do.
In spite of all, blessings, like the rain, fall from heaven and I am grateful. This rainy day offers many opportunities for blessing others, a helping hand, a kind word, a friendly smile, and many, many opportunities to pray. Like one small candle in a dark world, we can make a difference.
I am reminded of a part of my latest book, Moonlight Can Be Murder. It is Christmas Eve and Ned and her friends are in a candlelight service at church. “ Tall, red tapers stood among boughs of cedar and pine lying on each windowsill of Rose chapel. The only lights in the church were from those tapers and the small, white candle each worshiper held. Gerald had read the Christmas story to the congregation, then everyone launched into all three verses of “Silent Night.” One candle lit the candle next to it until the whole sanctuary glowed with soft light.”
And, how wonderful is that? One small candle, one small prayer joined with many others, and the darkness blooms with light!
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