It is often in times of tragedy, of terrible loss or sadness that people turn to God or ask the question: “Where is God?” Rare are the instances where the people would seek and see God in times of great joy, of unbounded happiness and deep satisfaction. For all the order that we see in the universe, it is a noisy and chaotic place: galaxies ever exploding and expanding, stars continuously burning, comets and planets constantly colliding. For all the troubles and turmoil there is in the world, still there are glorious sunrises, beautiful sunsets, people caring and sharing, families loving and creating their own heaven on earth.
There are moments I wish I was always in control of everything in my life: where and how I live, who the people in my life are and the events I would allow to happen in my life. But these things are not within my control. So, I wake up every morning realizing I have been given another day to live. I am grateful. I go to bed at the end of the day, aware I have had another day of being with people dear to me. I am happy and grateful. I did not have to do anything to have a rainbow bless my day yesterday or flowers to brighten it. I am delighted and happy. I did not lift a finger and yet there are people coming and going in my life to make each moment worth whatever the bother. I am happy and grateful. My life is full of blessings. In prayer, I become aware of all these blessings and it is the occasion for me to say “Yes” and “Amen” to all that life has to offer: the good times and the bad times, the happy and the sad, the disappointing and the glad. It is great just to be alive. Yes! Amen!
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38