Walk On By

Today I sat looking out the front window soaking up the warm rays of sunlight and thinking I should water the grass.

I was pulled from my daydreaming by the appearance of a tall, gaunt young man striding into view. His long legs carried him purposely forward while his straight, tangled black hair bounced up and down on the back of his over-sized green parka which swung out behind him. I half-watched as this twenty-something-year-old stranger passed by my house. The boy appeared in deep thought and I doubt he would have seen someone even if they were right in front of him. I continued watching him go by as I tried to remember being that full of purpose.

Suddenly, I was wrenched from my silent musings by a loud sob of such heart-breaking agony it took my breathe away. As tears sprung to my eyes, I realized it was the young man that had cried out shattering the tranquility of the quiet afternoon. He never faltered in his step but continued plodding on no longer purposeful but solitary. He stumbled and I could feel his loneliness and absolute surrender to his pain. Now past the house and almost out of sight I heard him cry out again in pain and misery that is heard only when all hope is lost and there is no one and nothing left to hold onto.

I pray for you young man with the long dark hair and too big jacket. Wherever you are tonight I pray you find your purpose again and that you will know love and joy someday soon in your life.

Merciful God,

I offer prayers for those who are wanting. Those with broken hearts and broken lives. Bless them with healing. Change their circumstances. Cause peace and prosperity to come to them in abundance. I, who have plenty, pray that I may share the richness of my soul, even as I share my resources.   

~Amen