God, sometimes it’s difficult to come with a thankful heart. Sometimes it’s hard to see past the stress and the worry and the aches and the pains to the blessings. When all we can muster is, “Here I am,” open us to more.

Sometimes the road is icy and treacherous -

   How else would we learn caution?

Sometimes the flakes fly thick and fast -

   What else would dampen the noise?

Sometimes the wind is cold and biting -

   When better to show others mercy?

Sometimes we see You most in a storm

   for it brings us closer together.

This morning is a time of celebration, an answering of the call to be in conversation with the Holy. Hallelujah, we are here!

God, we gather in community to lift up our lives, mindful that the very act of living is the journey of coming to You. Thank you for being a constant guide, a faithful companion, and a patient teacher. For how could we act with justice if You had not first been just? How much more do we lover mercy because You have shown it to us? And where would we walk at all if You had not given us space to roam?

Here in this place, as we prepare our hearts and minds for worship, we ask You to come alongside us once again that we may be refreshed and renewed, encompassed in love and held in hope.

Amen.

(c) K.Bridgeman 2011 (Reflections on Micah 6:1-8; www.middlechurch.org)