Stepping Stones

 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

--- Psalm 40:2 

Sometimes our thoughts can become a desolate pit, so we call to God for help.  He provides stepping stones across the daily bog -- flat stable places that keep us above the swirling brown mire.

Upon awakening, we can step on the rock of gratefulness, remembering good things God has done and naming current evidences of His hand in our lives. Then we step to morning devotions of quiet prayer and scripture reading, or perhaps attending daily mass.  From there actual physical steps provide grounding, like working our job, or exercising or gardening.  Step out within these places to give or receive a hug, or a friendly conversation.  

Another stone is listening to God-centered radio, or a podcast that proclaims the faith.  From there, reach for the cross you have hanging around your neck, or tucked away in your pocket.    

If time allows, sit in silence at a chapel -- the next bit of solid footing.  Then, while accomplishing necessary tasks, step to solid truths by listening to online Evening Prayer or Compline.  http://prayer.covert.org/  The last stone can be some spiritual reading, just before turning out the light. 

Daily stepping stones are found through the Holy Scriptures, the Church, the sacraments and opportunities provided by our brothers and sisters in Christ.  These solid rocks of the faith keep us from getting sucked into the dark quicksand of despondency.

Thank you, Lord, for drawing us out of the miry bog.  Steady us with hope and direction as we step along this faith walk.