I love this photograph. Perhaps it appeals to my inner child. This weekend I was away at the lake and this scene was prevalent. Field upon field of wishes begged to be blown. As a wee one, I would huff and puff at these transitioning dandelions, making wishes that I hoped would evolve into reality. I do not remember if any of them came true or not.

With the news of my cancer, I know many people would love to just pick one of these and blow it to pieces and wish anew. The reality is though that we cannot do that. We have to work with what we have. A whole field of wishes might be needed in the next while but wishes are not the same thing as prayer.

When I took this photograph I had a sense of the great multitude of prayers that have been lifted over the past six months of my illness. These prayers have carried me when I did not have the energy to pray myself. God heard my groans but God also had words from those who loved me. When I faltered about how to pray, others prayed boldly. Rosaries, masses, and novenas joined ordinary prayers. I returned that gift by praying for all those who were praying for me. The field of prayers grew as seed was scattered beyond measure.

I close my eyes now and I can see the prayers billowing in the breeze of the Holy Spirit, who is at work with each breath raised, planting seeds that are beyond me and my needs. This field of prayers and well wishes is greater than me. The Spirit will continue to use it to glorify God in ways I cannot imagine. Those who have not prayed for a long time have found a voice again. Some have wandered back into a church. Others still have found new ways to pray or discovered the richness of a saint with whom they were previously unacquainted. God uses everything for glory. That is a miracle to behold.

What would you wish for at this juncture of your life? Whose prayers are you counting on?

Peace,

Suzanne