Lately I have been reading Kathleen Norris’ new book, Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and A Writer’s Life, and yesterday I came upon this prayer that is so perfect for me and where I am right now.
It comes from the Book of Common Prayer: Prayers for use by a Sick Person:
“This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.”
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Hm, doing nothing…gallantly. Never tried that one before.
Doing nothing…
-resentfully
-angrily
-guiltily
-fearfully
-grudgingly
I’ve run the gamut with those.
But “doing nothing gallantly.”
Definitely something to chew on.
I love it. Thank you.
With my hectic life, many times I’ve wished that I could do nothing.
But there’s the saying, “be careful what you wish for” ….
I don’t know Jenny…I think that you are pretty darned tootin gallant…even when you mad, fussy, and kickin and screamin…but, I am the reframe queen!
Love that prayer!