In times like these when we're playing closer attention to money - how we spend and stretch it to maximal proportions, it's easy to take for granted that waking up everyday is not promised. We lament the times and utter phrases such as, "and this too shall pass". I'm guilty of it despite the fact that I'm still able to put pen to paper, ideate my opinionated views among my peers, and eagerly await my next paycheck from yet, another freelance writing project. I thought about all of this while dipping my pen in the inkwell as my mind drifted to those that may be out of work trying to make ends meet. The burden of guilt engulfed me as I sank to my knees in prayer. I needed to talk to Him:

Dear God...you truly are awesome! The thanks I bestow on you are genuine and never too late. As I sit back in retrospect I see how far you've brought me. With your guidance, I know that distance is not measured in miles, and that between two points there's enough common ground to be as near, or far as needed to prevail in adversity. They say you work in mysterious ways, but there's no mystery in how you make the difference in people's lives. Your small voice was much more than still that prompted this prayer - it reverberated vociferously and I took heed. When I need you most you not only reached out, but you pulled me up from my acts of iniquity, dusted me off and set me back on the write course. You further instilled in me the need to go in the right direction. You said that it would behoove me to walk the straight and narrow, to turn right and keep my head to the sky...and in doing so you'd allow my words flow freely.

I want to thank you for taking a wretched soul and giving me new light for the wit, words and wisdom that you will supply me with. Now that I'm in my twilight years I want sunrises and sunsets to be meaningful discourses that measure my successes. I know that I'm where I am because you allowed me to see my worth better; we were able to talk intimately as I kept my eyes where they should be; you gave me patience then as you're doing now, and I'm not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards before sharing them with someone less fortunate.

I'm thanking you now! I'm not going to let impulsive reactions deter me from being humble for humility to take the front seat. Turn the other cheek? I can do that. I'm not going to wait until people say they are sorry, or until they stop slandering me. My prayer is for those that share my sentiments...those that feel kindred souls are the ones that have established a bond, and are willing to test the waters. Can I thank you too much? Should my peers and I stop bowing to you in humble reverence? Who are the naysayers that tend to rebuke us for dedicated service as we ply our trades being the scribes that you've blessed us to be? Many times I've felt that walking through the valleys and encountering shadows of death, I fear no one as long as I know that you are with me.

I asked for a second chance to be a better husband, father and mentor and you harkened me to David, a man after your own heart. You turned my attention to Hannah, Deborah, Esther, Mary and Rebecca - virtuous women who knew a few good men for me to emulate. Moreover, I'm not going to wait until the grand kids are are asleep and the house is quiet. I'm thanking your right now in these turbulent times; I'm not going to wait until my next novel is complete, or I when I get the writing assignment that may be due me. Pain and grief have been my companions of late, but I won't continue to suffer consequences when you are so near.

I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking because I know my destiny is teaching others this craft of writing where oral and written communication are key. Yes, you indeed is closer than any brother. I'm praying for my brothers and sisters so that they won't tarry in their praise and worship. Turn this industry around God, for only YOU hold the keys to the Kingdom.

As I close this prayer, I want you to embrace my friends that are laboring to make ends meet...give them guidance and the wherewithal to make their elections and callings surest. Please gather them in your name and continue to bless them abundantly. May they too, walk around the obstacles and thank you as I'm doing!