This isn’t going to happen the way you planned,
The way you have it scheduled. Mapped out in your calendar.
Sure that if we just know what is coming,
Then we will be prepared. Then we will be ready.
Because we are tired
Of being knocked off our feet.
We are worn down from feeling the air leave our lungs
In countless sighs that lack understanding.
Disbelief filling our every breath.
We feel anything but ready. We feel anything but prepared.
And yet, even amidst the mess of news cycles and media,
A branch reaches for the light.
Pushing against the growing bark, stretching the extent of hope.
And yet, emboldened by the roots it knows
It is ready. It is prepared.
For the unexpected, for uncommon friendships,
Bears and cows, wolves and lambs, calves and lions.
Holiness found in the unexpected community,
Keeping me company.
Inviting me to be ready,
inviting me to prepare
For things to happen without a plan,
For God to break into the world
With wisdom, understanding, counsel, and knowledge.
Infusing the world with the peace that passes understanding
The peace that is ready. The peace that is all we need to prepare.
Loving God, may this moment soothe our anxious hearts and infuse the world with the unexpected: world changing peace. Amen.
Rev. Rachel Penmore
Campus Minister, UKirk UTK
Words for Waiting 