May the stubborn hope you look for be yours. May it burn bright in you and be an anchor to your soul. Let grace be the final word for your service each day. Allow God to be the author of time and you the one who nurtures its gifts and limitations. When you are tired of pivoting your expectations, the work that you do in the kingdom and your everyday life may the sustaining voice of Jesus remind you that you are enough. Let true rest come to you each day and rejuvenate you for the work ahead. And may the power of Jesus, the one made himself vulnerable to human suffering help you through any obstacle that stands in your way to abundant life. Amen.

Rev. Erin Hayes-Cook, First Presbyterian Church, Rahway, NJ