Where were we?  Arm in arm, heart to heart, sealed in common thought and a bond that surpasses this lifetime?  Are we waiting rhythmically to join the dance, joy spilling out our pores at the chance to spend time with our family?  Carrying our children who have never been so peaceful, content and yes happy.  Are we in harmony or dissonance, agreement or discord, speaking solidarity or dissent?  Who have we not forgiven, even for the things that were deserving?  What have we put above that love which calls us care and defend each other?  Where did our paths diverge?

He would have me love you.  Not out of spite, I told you so or I can be bigger than you, but because you are filled with the breath of God.  It shouldn’t be that hard, you are amazing, even in those moments when you get my goat by knowing me too well.  I have no ammunition in magazine, no more powder in the keg, no more reason for my unyielding resolution.  I surrender to His love for me and lay at the mercy of His commanded grace and forgiveness.  We cannot alone become the victor as the body must be one.

Soften us Lord.  Give us tears followed by stout hearts and merciful hands for the suffering or forgotten.  Let us take to heart this charge proclaimed before the ages to rise above mere image.  Let us stand against all challenge whether formidable or false knowing that our outcome is deliverance.  Give us strength in weakness, temper our emotional response, give us the collective peace in the knowledge that our path is right and true.  Let this be Your victory in which we are familial participants.  May we rise above and find the meaning of love through shared sacrifice, faith and work.  Make us strong to the plow and tender to those entrusted to our care.  Show us Your face at the dusk and in the morning.  Let us be truly together in Your Hope.  Praise You Merciful Father, Your judgments are correct.  Lord Jesus we love You.