A Red Letter Blessing

As I was cleaning carpets today in a house in Arlington, I noticed that there were several books sitting around called Red Letters by Tom Davis. I asked the homeowners about it, and they informed me that they attend Pantego Bible Church and lead a home group, in which they are currently reading and discussing this book.

Then they gave me a free copy!

There is almost nothing I love more than free books.

On the ride back to the shop, I opened the book up, and not only did I get the book free, but is has been autographed! That was a bonus.

And to top it all off, there was a piece of paper stuck inside the front cover as well. I opened it up, and out fell a check for $10,000!

No, I’m just kidding about the check. But there was a piece of paper inside, and on it was written “A Franciscan Blessing” which was exactly what I needed to hear today. Here is what it says:

May God bless you with discomfort…
     at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
     so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger…
     at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
     so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears…
     to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
     so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness…
     to believe that you can make a difference in the world,
     so that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
     to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.