The Watering of our Roots

Surrounded by all of the memories and the dreams and the hopes and the desires of so great a host of witnesses, we still ourselves in the presence of God, gathering together all of the things that are needful for our peace. The mood of thanksgiving overwhelms us when we remember how good and great is our fortune, even as we are mindful of the ways that are hard and difficult for so many whose names are known to us and whose pictures are vividly in our minds. It is so great a privilege to experience the watering of one’s roots at a time of such dryness on the world.

Thus, our Father, we expose ourselves to Thy spirit, daring not at all to make even the simplest request of Thee. We let ourselves down in Thy grace and Thy holiness, waiting for the movement of Thy spirit.

(For the Inward Journey: the writings of Howard Thurman.
Selected by Anne Spencer Thurman. page 288
originally published in The Centering Moment)

I begin with this sentiment because, for me, finding “the mood of thanksgiving” has been so critical in my life. I have been blessed with that great host of witnesses who have been my companions on life’s journey. I am so grateful for meaningful employment; so grateful for a family with whom to share a morning group-chat and a few laughs; so grateful to have been introduced by a young community leader as “an elder of the movement.” (Really?!?)

And so I hold my gratitude tenderly, imagining that it will, indeed, water the green which is in me and is emerging in the world even after the cold of winter, and the dryness of an unthankful routine.