I listened to the song "Blessings" sung by Laura Story recently. You can listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

She asks questions: "What if trials of this life, The rain, the storms, the hardest nights....Are your mercies in disguise?"

Throughout my life, I have believed that the trials of life are God's mercies in disguise - I am often seen as an optimist because of this. I am the annoying one who looks for the silver lining - not because I wish it was there, but because, deep inside my self I KNOW it is there - or it is about to show itself! It may not be something you appreciate in the middle of the storms of your life, but I have this inner certainty that it is there. However, since I don't want to hurt others, or I realize I am sitting in my own arrogance of this "certainty" - I hesitate to share the deep belief that these mercies are worth waiting for - through pain, loss and extreme distress. - and depending on the situation, that might be the right thing to do.

Eventually I recognized that whatever this is - it is a gift; it is a part of me. Somewhere along my life's path, I found this truth - that God's mercies are always waiting - especially after the storm! So - no surprise - I like Laura's song - "Blessings." I am aware this might sound arrogant, and that is not how I intend it - this is simply part of how I view life.

Now this certainty I have that God's mercies are just around the corner when life is falling apart, or when I cannot take another disappointment - that certainty is there, but it is not always welcome by others, or by myself! Surprised? Don't be. You see, sometimes, this certainty of the mercies of God that I know deep inside will follow times of trial? Well, when this gift of Grace is not apparent to everyone else - I feel very alone. I may voice it and hear the disappointment of other voices, of other hurt people - because they don't see it - or cannot see it. Then I feel doubt about this certainty, or about the direction I am heading. Self-doubt creeps in - and that opens a door to other pains and forms of separation from God - sin.

Laura's song reminded me today that the mercies are not just there - they are often in disguise. It helps to remember even though sometimes I can see God's mercies near the end of someone's time of trial - not to be disappointed that others don't see them. (That would be the disguise part!) When God's mercies are ready to be revealed they will be - because it is the right time, when the recipient is ready to receive them. When we realize after disappointment that we have that greater thirst the world cannot supply (Laura sings about that) maybe that is when the door opens. Maybe that is when we look up and realize we can approach the throne of grace, so we can see and experience the mercies... Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

So tonight, I share these thoughts with you - because you - you are God's mercies in disguise. Every day, you are an extension of God's Grace, even when you don't realize it. Thank you for that. To all of you - family, friends, colleagues, sisters and brothers, whether or not I really know you? You are God's mercies - out in the open and in disguise. The phrase "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord have mercy) has a deeper meaning for me today. I pray all of us learn to appreciate the mercies we are given.  Kyrie Eleison - I pray God's abundant mercies for all of this world. Christe Eleison - May we each be an open door for others, through the grace of God in Christ Jesus. Kyrie Eleison - Lord bring your mercies to all of us.

Peace
Kathleen