dear God, this is jenny

I went out into the garden with my tea this morning

(in my fluffy, shabby (but clean) gown)

And watched the sun rise over the rooftops of suburbia

I sat at my dewy table and breathed in the crisp air

and watched the steam from my tea rise

and get swallowed by the cold air

I am not an overly religious person

but sitting quietly on my own

I felt the need to pray

Usually my prayers start with an apology to God

"Please forgive me for only calling you when I need your help but I do.........."

But this morning I did not start the prayer the same way

(although I would be asking for help)

 Does God really know everything?

Even what we think?

 Would he see through my new approach?

I thought it a good idea to start by saying thank you for

all that is good in my life

and of that there is much

for my family who I love so much

(and could not do without)

for my friends who I could not do without

(and love so much)

for my husband who I love and could not do without

for my home and garden and kitchen

and courtyard

for the beautiful country that we live in

for Nelson Mandela

(and I hoped he had a good birthday)

for the mountain and the sun

and that perhaps it should rain soon so that the dams

can be full for summer and that we can water our gardens

(that was just a suggestion)

there was lots more and

(since I was giving some suggestions)

 I went on to the "not-so-nice-stuff"

the troubles and sadness and illness

that so many of the people I know and love are going through

and mentioned them by name

the two old ladies in my life

and the friends who are sad or lonely

the friends that are having treatment for cancer

and for their families and friends

who love them so much

for another wonderful friend who is having an operation tomorrow

and another who is making her way home

for family and friends who are far away and missing home

for my friends who have family who are far away and miss them lots

for my sister who is wonderful but fragile and so precious to us all

and

for my boys and their loves and their fears

and

to please keep Nic safe because he is travelling home by car on his own

from Kimberley today

and if he knows any lotto numbers, please send clues

(joking)

Then I thanked him again for everything

because life and love and family and friends are so precious

Then I thought I had better tell him that I do know that he knows best

but please, if he could

would he try his very, very best to make everyone in my prayers

well and happy and safe

I took another sip of tea, tossed it onto the grass because it was cold,

got up and walked inside only to note that the back of the fluffy and shabby gown

was now wet with dew and not so clean

(from the not-so-clean table)

but I felt a whole lot better