��ѿ��ý

Available for 19 days

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Saarah Hamayun My first proposal was one I’ll never forget. I was in my early twenties when my three-year-old cousin got down on one knee, clutching a bouquet of plastic flowers, and declared his undying love for me. Naturally, I accepted. He proceeded to make me an imaginary cup of tea, which seemed like a logical start to married life, then we spun around the garden hand in hand. Our whirlwind romance ended rather abruptly when, without warning, he shouted, “You have to do the housework!” and pointed to the broom… But of course, I adore him still and today, he’s an incredibly bright and mischievous seven-year-old. The day he was born, however, was a different story, he was born very prematurely, and my uncle will never forget that moment, when the doctor listed the terrifying risks for my cousin and his mother. He recalls the numbness he felt, the helplessness and the uncertainty as he wandered through the hospital corridors until he found himself drawn to the prayer room; he remembers saying these words: You know me in my heart of hearts, so only give me that burden which you know I can bear and whatever you give me, I will trust that I have the strength to carry it. My uncle’s prayer always stayed with me. It’s more beautiful than asking God for everything to work out how you want it to. God already knows what we desire, but sometimes what is more honourable, is recognising that life isn’t about having every wish granted– it’s about cherishing what you have and hoping you have the strength to get through the difficult times. I pray for patience to endure in times of hardship, and that we may emerge with the strength to continue forward. May we learn to face life’s challenges not with fear, but with quiet trust, knowing that grace can carry us through. Amen