Say a quick prayer (or a long one, by all means) for the people of Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma. The brutality of the military junta there is a reminder of this world’s real condition, and the terrible toll in lives is an affront both to God and to human dignity.

Last night you told me to
walk out on a limb, saw in hand,
and I agreed:
there is too much to forgive,
there is too much to hide.
But underneath (the Spirit is whispering)
are the everlasting arms
are the palms with branches
soft enough to catch
bones brittle that warp like wax:
always sweet breath of morning
easing the cripple to
heel and toe.

Lord, thank you for the things you have given to me: I don’t deserve them. Of course, I’m taking them lightly again, not thinking clearly, and I need some help. First, help me not to freak out. Give me strength to trust you. Second, help me to do what I do to glorify you. I am, after all, very bad at figuring out how that equation goes. Third, give me the desire of my heart. You did, after all, say something about that, so I’ll take it seriously.

dan (amen)