Fully Alive

As we approach All Saints Day, I am reminded that this week is a significant one in the history of our country. We face a challenging election full of tension and anxiety. 

Sometimes even in heavy and tense times we see those among us who are filled with Light. The Reverend Dr. Jerome Berryman, founder of Godly Play was one such light. He died this summer, but his light, the Light of Christ, shines on through our work with children at Good Shepherd day school and church. 

Jerome was a mystic, a scholar, and a creative who was full of imagination for the Kingdom of God. He gave his brilliant mind, joyful heart and faithful service to lifting up the children among us as our teachers. Please receive with me, the gift of his blessing and may it fill you with hope and joy:

Wonderful God,

Bless us and keep us through all our days and nights, wherever that might be.

May your face shine upon us and be gracious unto us that we may be fully alive.

May we know your presence with all our senses, all at once, all the time!

May we sing, “Dona nobis pacem…give us peace” all our days and may we be what we sing.

May those who make enemies change,

and make friends, 

So we can work together to make a better life for all.

May we create, re-create and gather in communities to create

Instead of destroying each other and our Mother, the Earth.

And at the last day, our last day and every day 

May we smile with gratitude for just being alive.

Amen.

With Wonder,

Cynthia