Shining Spirit

And a prayer went out and a prayer went up

and it circled the earth until entering space,

a single prayer, a request from the heart,

a plea for God’s wisdom, a measure of grace.

And it raced past the planets and it swerved through the stars

bound for the blackness of deep outer space

where cold stellar winds and silence prevail,

a dark, foreboding, lifeless place.

The prayer found its way through chaos and calm

when in the far distance a small speck of light

shuddered as comets pulled their long tails

across the darkest part of the night.

When finally the prayer found its way to the place

where moons and planets all intersect,

the crossroads where life began long ago

she paused, not knowing what next to expect.

Come in, little prayer; you’ve flown a long way.

Come rest, catch your breath; sit close by my side.

Please tell me the reason you’ve come so far.

Nothing you ask will be denied.

It was then little prayer revealed the request.

Wisdom, dear God, and a measure of grace.

And she knew in a moment all would be well,

by the kindness expressed on that heavenly face.

And a prayer went out and a prayer went up

and it circled the earth until entering space,

a single prayer, a request from the heart

that was answered with love and amazing grace.

Today will be a remarkable day!
Trust what I tell you; hear what I say.
I have it on very good authority
that sometime today we will clearly see
the planets dancing; Saturn will be
flirting with Neptune while Pluto and Mars
string a long necklace of twinkling stars.
All in all, the day sounds grand.
Let’s hope all goes well, according to plan.
Yes, today will be a remarkable day.
Would you like to come out and join the play?
It’s not very often, only once in a while
that the cosmos displays such amazing style.
So, put on your hat…that silly one,
paint your nails blue, come join the fun.
We will all look back many years from now
on this day when humankind figured out how
to sing its part in creation’s song,
to see all that’s right, not just the wrong,
to affirm what all living creatures see,
how grand it feels to simply be
a partner in the dance
of eternity.

It’s a lovely bridge, but then I think most bridges are. Some stand out in my memory, like the Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego, California. An artistic creation. Little bridges don’t get the recognition they deserve, regarded as utilitarian but not attractive. But the purpose of the bridge is not to be beautiful, but to link two sides together. As people of faith, we are called to do the same thing. We forgive, often an act that brings people back together. We reconcile. We offer healing. Who do you know that is separated, isolated because of words spoken, deeds done? What are the chances that person might be open to reconciliation? Perhaps you could be the bridge that allows him or her to reconnect. The Bridge Builder is ready to start construction if you are willing to be the bridge. By the way, remember that you have been blessed and benefitted by the bridge that links you to the fullness of life and to God. Jesus of Nazareth, bridge to the Sacred One, Christ of God.