Novena, Day 5

 I think that starting my morning, before I even get out of bed, with the statement, "I greet this day with Christ in my heart," is helping to keep me honest. I cannot make that quiet declaration and then begin to complain and worry. I have to move into another direction: the one that clears the way with  fidelity and love. 

I greet this day with Christ in my heart. 

I respond to the actions of others with love. 

Adversity and discouragement will beat 

against my shield of love and become soft as rain. 

My shield of love sustains me when I am alone, 

Uplifts me in moments of despair

And calms me in times of confusion. 

I awaken to the new day with vitality

and joy of living. 

As my courage increases, my enthusiasm rises. 

My desire to greet the world overcomes every fear.  

I accept happiness from the sources made available to me. 

As I become stronger, I cast aside the shield

And walk unencumbered among the family of humanity, 

giving and receiving. 

The radiation of unconditional love awakens the joy 

of living in everyone I meet. 

I greet this day with Christ  in my heart.  

  

Rev. Carol Parrish-Harra

(in the first and last lines I have substituted the word Christ for love.)  

  

image: San Leandro, April 2016