“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1.

Ground yourself. Touch the velvety leaves of plants. Run your hands through the lavender, rosemary, basil, and night-blooming jasmine.

Watch the bird landing in your yard, on your window, or on a rooftop, peeking at you curiously.

Breathe. Slowly stretch your arms out and blow away the morning clouds.

Soothe your heart with a tea that calms your evening. Ease the pains of your soul by smelling the aroma of the simmering herbs.

Move to the musical score of angels and constellations. Find joy in the Creator's infinitude. Immerse yourself in the blue of Divine clarity and wisdom.

Shed pride, prejudice, envy, false moralism, and formalistic prayer. Seek answers to your doubts and longings from the Source of the one God. He does not let His children be covered by the cloak of despair. He wraps you in His arms like a wounded sheep.

Discover your possibilities. And be alert, sniffing like an animal that senses when the enemy approaches. Repel every trap of evil. Sense it coming. Run or retreat cautiously when necessary.

Advance when you feel Jesus extending His hand to you. And go, without fear, not like Peter. Desire to walk on the waters of your days. Discover dormant courage and overcome obstacles.

Adjust your stride.

With your head down in life, we don't find our Lighthouse that illuminates humanity, and in the dark, we wander along the seashore.

There's homework to do:

Keep your feet on the ground and walk towards the Cross to reach the Heavens.

Poem by: Selma de Lima Monteiro

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