Scratching your head? Come on in!

For I, the Lord your God,
   hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, ‘Do not fear,
   I will help you.’ 

Isaiah 41:13 (NRSV)

This post goes out to out to all my fellow allergy sufferers!

If you’re anything like me, you’re struggling this week with the unloading of early tree pollen. We often talk about how different people arrive at church from different journeys and experiences. For those of us with acute Spring-time allergies, this can be a hard road. 

Some of us wear our challenges in visible ways, with watering eyes and sneezes that would wake a dozing Congregationalist right out of a sermon-induced slumber. Others experience aches, chills, and even must fight to breathe. Remember to check in with your doctor if you’re experiencing any new symptoms. On the other hand, don’t wait for the medical establishment to do all the work of healing for you… 

When we’re feeling challenged, prayer can be a real help.

I took the liberty of creating a tribute to the Lord’s prayer specifically for those of us with allergies. I hope you’ll receive it with a light-hearted spirit and that, if you’re suffering right now, you feel better soon. 

Our Father, 

Who authored nature, 

hallowed be thy name. 

Thy Spring hath sprung

Thy will be done

on Earth as it fills with pollen. 

Give us this day our daily breath, 

and forgive us our exhalations,

as we forgive those who sneeze against us.

And lead us not into hyperventilation, 

but deliver us from asthma;

for Thine is the pollen, 

that plants might flourish, in glory forever, 

Amen.