It’s Friday, Cupcake

How is it with your soul, my friend?

As I reflect back on the past several weeks, I realize I am finally coming out of my post inclement weather service (IWS) fog. My brain is starting to click on all cylinders again.

I love making rapid fire decisions under pressure. Probably sounds crazy, I know. But I’ve been told that I’m good at it and I can tell that God has spent my lifetime training me for such times that require someone to process huge amounts of information and decide quickly in the moment. It’s like mental athletics.

But, the body keeps score.

There’s simply a lot to think about, process, and learn from—including seeing and experiencing trauma. It’s what happens when you minister to someone when they’ve just watched someone’s toes fall off after they removed their dirty socks. It’s what happens when you find a woman lying on the cold ground in the fetal position covered in her own excrement. It’s what happens when you have to tell someone that they need to let animal services put their dog down because the only friend they have in the world is gravely ill and suffering. It’s what happens when you find yourself praying with predator and prey alike.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

May we always honor and glorify You in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to seek Your kingdom first in all things, trusting in Your sovereign plan for our lives.

Give us this day our daily bread. Provide for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, Lord. Help us to trust in Your provision and care for us.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Teach us to live in the freedom of forgiveness, both given and received. Help us to release any bitterness or resentment, reflecting Your grace and mercy.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Protect us from the snares of the enemy and the temptations that beset us. Help us to walk in the Spirit, clothed in Your armor, and strong in Your might.

For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (amplified)
Matthew 6:9-13