Candle

I am a flickering candle of life deep within, protected in a secret and safe place.

I am small now, so infinitesimal my presence is not really known.

I can feel myself growing, changing as the Spirit of God breathes on my tiny limbs and heart, fanning my living spark. Here I will rest and nourish until I must face my first day with the others He created.

But for this moment, I take comfort from the steady rhythmic beat that surrounds me: I take comfort and respond with a beat within my own breast, a rhythm much quicker and yet so quiet only God and I can hear it.

I am warm and think that I am loved; sometimes I hear a distant voice singing happy words so soft; I am content to listen from afar.

I commune only with God. He and I are close now; we are in the select and special place afforded to all before they must enter that world of Choices.

Sometimes I feel as if I rest in His hand alone because I know He is with me safely. His spirit is ever my constant companion.

Be with me, Lord Jesus. Make my body the body You would have it be for only You know what is best.

But most of all— touch my mother’s heart; give her wisdom and grace as I grow and with it let me keep the gift of life that You have bestowed on me.

Go with me in that dark wonderful hour when I cross into the world of Choices, whether it be the hour that You ordained or an hour others have chosen.

Father, my Father, whenever that hour arrives, walk with me. Give me always a remembrance of Your presence as I grow.

And when it is time to return to You, dearest Father, let me not be ashamed of the way I used the time You gave me.

Let me rejoice when I see Your face, when I feel your presence, when finally I stand in glory.

Father, my Father, I thank You for my life.