Parents Prayers

Prayers of My Parents Written on Index Cards

One day at a time

You Care for Each of Us

undated:

We thank Thee, our God,  for an hour like this – a time when we can enjoy fellowship & laughter – free of tensions and strain. Teach us the secret of living without strain and worry. Teach us how to live just one day at a time- to recognize and enjoy the many blessings  that are ours and to be content in knowing that you care for each of us. Amen

Today would have been my brother’s 62nd birthday. 62 is not old, but then neither is 55 or 61, two other recent ages talked about this last week.

My brother was not a suicide, but a heart attack. Still young. Still a shock. Still sad.

But I love Dad’s reminder in this prayer. That God cares for each of us. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. That my soul does know. That my brain needs to rest in and my heart be content with.

That is enough. Sometimes it is all one needs to know; for the day, hour or second.

Make sure you convey that to the people you meet today.

Who knows what an impact you could make?

Teach us how to live without stress

11/27 Exchange Club prayer of Dad’s: Remind us that you have answered many of our prayers – that our tears and worries often never happen. Teach us how to live without stress – to live just one day at a time – content to enjoy life as it comes and to be ever grateful for the blessings that are ours.

No “Amen,” no Heavenly Father, no real introduction. The most logical year for this would be a more recent one, 2012. The year before Dad was diagnosed with cancer. His handwriting is different here. It is less formal and that I attribute to being on some kind of pain.

Rushing was not something Dad ever did…ever. He was always dependable, on time, reliable. Thomas the Tank engine reliable. Years of catching the Illinois Central out to the ‘burbs in Chicago polished that habit, already present.

What habits am I polishing…one day at a time? Polishing silver is an activity I do this time of year. The amount of tarnish accumulated inside the little blue flannel bags is not huge, but it requires “elbow grease” as Grandma K used to say.

This season there are a million gadgets available to save us the mess of elbow grease. But, using elbow grease allieves stress. Focusing on one intricately hammered and designed edge of a platter reminds me of many things, helping order my thoughts.

Of course, it ruins your hands, but that is why you use plastic gloves. Another dying unpopular product that used to be a staple in any home.

Amen

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