While in Cabo San Lucas I was witness to many interesting displays of faith. In addition to being a great place to vacation, Cabo is a place I go to for a recharge and refresh of my faith, and my soul. Many are the times I will see people doing the sign of the cross and offering a short and simple prayer. Street vendors, shop owners, taxi cab drivers are frequently among those I see crossing themselves. It is a simple act, yet little do they know how powerful their gesture is. Many are witness to these displays of faith. The taxi driver exits his vehicle, crosses himself says a few words and continues on. I wonder what he could be giving thanks for? Safe arrival at his destination? Safe travel to his next destination? Finding a new group to drive from one place to another? Being given a fair that takes him to the airport where fares are frequent and tips are big? Or maybe all the above and more. It is not my place to know the why, but seeing that offer of thanksgiving leaves an impression on me, and many others.
How often do you or I stop and acknowledge the role that Christ plays in our lives? Personally, I tend to offer prayers in the morning and evening and when something 'special' takes place. You can call it a growth area. How about you? So here is a thought for all of us. We can take a lesson from the people I saw in Cabo. We can offer a prayer for the simple things, not just the big things. When I look back on my day yesterday I could have offered a prayer for safe travels while out running errands. I could have offered a prayer for having a job that allows me to go grocery shopping. I could have offered a prayer for the safe arrival home of my wife Pam after her day at work. I could have offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the faith given to me and the grace shown to me. The list could go on and on. The point I am trying to make is that if we pray often, we stay in a conversational mode. Talking early and often with our Father in Heaven helps us to stay focused on Him and less on our world. Take into our hearts the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. After all, we never know who may see these acts of faith and start to wonder and.....
PRAYER: Lord, we give thanks in all circumstances for Jesus Christ. We who are so very blessed often do not give the thanks that is so richly deserved. Forgive us Father. Fill our hearts with the faith we need to stay focused on Jesus and not on this world. Send Your Holy Spirit to pour into our hearts a full measure of the faith we need to stay on track. Let Your praises ring and let our prayers flow like a flood. These things we ask in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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