I hope that the calm stillness
of this day’s slow wakening
stays with you from dawn till darkness.

I hope that some good growing
will freshen in you
like tender buds opening on maple branches.

I hope that grace will flow for and from you
like the gentle waters of the creek
brushing against smooth stones.

I hope that your vision
will be clear and guileless
as a cloudless day.

I hope that you will feel
God’s own love and presence,
warm and reassuring like a gentle breeze.

I hope that you will find goodness and blessing
bringing hope as fresh as slender green branches,
bowing toward earth on the willow tree,

testifying that the work of God
is being born in all creatures,
in all that lives.

And may it find its fullness in you.

H. Arnett
4/11/14