Great Hands of Light

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Last week, my friend, George Pasley, pastor in Ketchikan, Alaska, sent me this poem by Mary Oliver. It's a great message for epiphany, for the dark days of winter, for the dark days of our souls.

WHY I WAKE EARLY
By Mary Oliver
Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who wake the morning
And spread it over the fields
And into the faces of the tulips
And the nodding morning glories,
And into the windows of, even, the
Miserable and the crotchety-

Best preacher that ever was,
Dear star, that just happens
To be where you are in the universe
To keep us from ever-darkness,
To ease us with warm touching,
To hold us in the great hands of light-
Good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day
In happiness, in kindness.

* * * * * * *

To the Great Hands of Light I say thank you for . . .

. . . Randy Lopez, who in the midst of great tragedy and the loss of his dear grandfather, came to youth group last night and led the youth in an energetic discussion of discipleship. Randy lived his message last night. Thanks be to God!

. . . Pastor Terry, who serves as a pastor to this pastor and many more. Thanks be to God for ears that hear and good counsel!

. . . Sam, who is heading to Tucson to study border issues and serve in a day labor center at Southside Presbyterian Church. Thanks be to God for opportunities to learn, grow and serve!

. . . Jean Parrett who stands ready at a moment's notice to come to the church and share the Deacon's Compassion Fund resources with those who are about to have their electricity or heat shut off, who are about to be evicted, who are lacking food and hope. Thanks be to God for faithful servants and willing workers!

. . . Max, Karina, Diosselyn, David, Sam, Greg, Telma and Pastor Alfonso who distributed warm sandwiches, coffee and hot chocolate to the day laborers early this morning and for DeDe who scored some tasty sausage, egg, cheese and biscuit sandwiches from Harvesters for us to share. Thanks be to God for a day started in happiness and kindness.

Please remember today to pray for the people of Haiti. Look for ways we can help bring light to those who are suffering today.

Keep praying and sharing and gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com/