Week of September 25, 2000
Lois P.

"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
     Isaiah 41:10

School has started and our family has entered the world of elementary school. On one of the first days of school, after much thought and deliberation, our new kindergartner, Casey, decided she would take the bus to school. As we waited at the bus stop, all the "old timers" joined the line, chatting away, making the time pass quickly. The bus arrived and we exchanged hurried hugs and kisses and off she went up the steps of the bus. I anxiously watched from the street corner. All I could see was the pink backpack moving down the aisle, no head in sight. The backpack found a seat and there, finally, at the window, I saw Casey's face. She got down to business and began to buckle her seat belt. However, the bus started to move before she was buckled completely. She looked out the window at me with eyes as wide as saucers. I fought back the tears as I waved, smiled, and yelled out "Take your time ... it's okay." The bus pulled away ... she was on her way to school. I turned towards home and said a prayer: " Dear God, please be with her, calm her fears, and watch over her at school." And then, I added another prayer: " Dear God, please be with me! I need strength to let her go into the world without either myself or her dad with her. Thank you for always being with us and with our children, even when their 'earthly parents' cannot be."

When I was confirmed, during the worship service, the choir sang what has come to be one of my favorite songs, "I'll Walk With God." I will share the words with you.

I'll walk with God from this day on.
His helping hand, I'll lean upon.
This is my prayer, my humble plea
May the Lord be ever with me.
There is no death, tho' eyes grow dim.
There is no fear when I'm near to Him.
I'll lean on Him forever and He'll forsake me never.
He will not fail me as long as my faith is strong,
Whatever road I may walk along.
I'll walk with God, I'll take His hand.
I'll talk with God, He'll understand.
I'll pray to Him, each day to Him
And He'll hear the words that I say.
His grace reveals the paths I've trod,
Now I'll never walk alone, while I walk with God!

And so, on days like these, I find myself humming and sometimes even "belting out" this song as my own musical prayer.

Heavenly Father, You are our place of safety in times of fear and change. Thank You for always walking with each of us along our daily journeys. And help us to trust in You and lean on You for strength and courage. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Contributed by Lois P.
Published Monday September 25, 2000
Week 44 of Liturgical Year B