Context: This prayer arrived late one evening, after a difficult day when I had written nothing at all. Whilst getting ready for bed, I went to stand, as usual, in front of one of my favourite pictures: Christ of Saint John of the Cross, by Salvador Dali. I touched the frame of the picture with both hands, began to pray, and this is what came to me:
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).
Thank you, Lord,
For all you make,
For all you send,
And all you share.
Thank you, Lord,
For all you give,
For all you take,
And all you bear.
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19; NIV).
References:
In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21; CSB).
Give whatever he takes, with a big smile (Mother Theresa).
Note for those interested in my rosary-making project:
Yesterday afternoon I felt tired, and it was raining hard, so while I rested I started learning to make barrel knots, which are essential for creating corded rosaries. I haven’t yet received the special tool and all the materials I need, so I practiced on some string my husband found in the greenhouse. It was much more difficult than it looks in videos, but I found it very absorbing. Eventually my efforts were rewarded with the first little chaplet of 6 knots, shown above. Hopefully more news will soon follow!