While I know a bit “on-the-nose” at this time of year, Gratitude seems to be on my mind a great deal lately. September and October always seem so hectic following the ease of the summer, yet even amid the many activities, I find that the beauty of the season all around me, is calling me to pause and reflect, a process which often leads me to gratitude, and more frequently gratitude for the small things in life.

As creation in this part of the world begins to prepare to sleep, the trees losing their leaves and revealing the simplicity of their silhouettes, the sight of all of God’s creatures securing their stores for the cold winter months, and the surest sign of all, the slow but eventual conclusion of road construction, I find myself grateful for all the love I have received and the love I have been able to share with others. I am also especially grateful for the love of those now seated before the throne of grace, who I see no more, yet whose constant love remains as it ever was, a chord unbroken between us. I am grateful for the great love, God’s love for me that found me early, and continues to find me when I am most in need, this divine love available to us all. All of this brings me peace in the midst of a world that seems to be struggling to find its feet, a world so occupied with pulling apart, that who we are together has been forgotten. Gratitude.

You will find below a prayer entitled “At Eventide”, which contains some expression of these loves I have mentioned. This prayer was written by my grandmother Kate Evans Day Dedman shortly after her daughter, my mother, had left to begin her new life in Canada. Kate had prayed her way through all of her life, including two world wars, and so prayer came to her as effortlessly as breathing. These words contain within them not only the assumption of divine love, but also the richness of the love of many generations.

Why not join me in pausing to cultivate gratitude for a moment or two as you are able. It will feed your soul! I promise.
With deepest gratitude for you all,
Canon Val

 

At Eventide
Lord, before we close our eyes in sleep we would remember before You our absent ones.
Guard them from all temptation and danger for You are in every place.
In their weariness give refreshment, sleep; and rest.
When lonely, breathe a tender remembrance of our love and expectation.
You who art the Author and giver of love enfold them with us
in Your Everlasting Arms forever and ever
Amen.