God.

We read about miracles in the Bible.
People healed. People fed. Water turned into wine.
We want those kinds of miracles.

Because people are sick. People are hungry.
We’d just love to have a great celebration.

We don’t see those miracles.

Maybe we could help people out. Offer them courage. Offer them opportunities. Maybe we could offer shoveling and comfort and supper.

But those aren’t you doing a miracle,
Those are us expressing love.
Which is, I suppose, a kind of miracle.

Or at least a kind of obedience, offering love to people that need it, in the ways that we best do it. As cooks and caregivers, as hard workers and as calm speakers, as open-hearted listeners and open-mouthed defenders.

We confess that we ignore opportunities because we are waiting for you to take the first step.

We confess that we take the gifts you give and we don’t share them with those who could use them. We confess that we don’t confess our weakness and accept your strength.

Thank you for your forgiveness.

Thank you for your work through the people we will see today.

Help us see you in them. And bless them.

Amen.