On this morning of giving thanks, 2015, I am most thankful for the questions and the imperatives God has given me over the last two years.
They have not received a warm welcome from “the innkeeper” that is me, but—
They came anyway.
They came, though unwelcome.
They came, and I responded with “go away” —
“Do you know what this will do to me?” —
“You can’t possibly mean—”
And over time, because they remained, we gradually got to know each other. Accept each other. Be present to each other.
Today these questions and imperatives are no longer unwanted strangers in my head and heart.
Today, I am conscious of having been “re-formed” to “re-spect” in a way that actively welcomes all that God puts within me and before me.
In the words of Father Thomas Keating:
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today
because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons,
situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem,
approval and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation,
condition, person or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and
God’s action within. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving!
JULIE ANN STEVENS 
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!