Ordinary Time 
Pause
Life can feel scattered.
When everything else beckons for our attention — schoolwork, jobs, family, sports, and future endeavors — we might push faith aside.
But faith is supposed to be in the center of our lives.
In simple daily tasks — reading the Bible, caring for others, eating together, and praying — we are drawn closer to God and to each other.
Listen
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me.
Psalm 23:4
Think
Walking along by myself, I might not have made it through some of the dark times in my life. I have experienced some really low points. God was there telling me to hold on tight and not give up. God protected me from disasters that I never imagined would befall me. When other people who were important to me fell away, God was there. God was always there.
Sometimes, I was so scared that I couldn’t see, but God opened my eyes and helped me see that God was indeed present, even in the midst of the deepest sorrow and pain. God told me to hold on a little while longer. Have faith. There were good things coming that I could never have reached without going through those dark valleys.
When others are going through a dark valley, I say: God is with you. Hold on tight. Don’t give up. God is always there protecting you, even if it does not seem like it.
May you be wrapped in the presence of God’s abiding love.
Deborah Guy
Pray
Holy God, help me to always live a life of faith. Open my eyes to your presence. Amen.
Go
Remember: Faith is the essence of life.
