For all that remains

November 4, 2025

I heard a short prayer yesterday that stuck with me.

Dear God,

thank you for everything you have given me,

for everything you have taken away,

and for all that remains.

I spent the first 19 years of my life as a weekly church-goer. I was never devout, per se, but socialization is a real thing and I just followed what my parents did. I drifted off in the middle of college, busy with life, and also disturbed by the catholic church’s abuse scandals.

Almost 19 years later, I’ve returned. A few times with my kids (whose behavior made mass more stressful - and humorous, in their defense), and a couple of times solo. I think there’s something magical about being a part of something bigger than yourself. You bow down, you kneel, and you feel your sins and your imperfection. A reminder of our humanness.

This isn’t a post about religion, whatever if any yours may be. This is about being thankful, and remembering that we are merely players on the stage. We can be present in our gratitude for all we have had, all we have lost, and see what remains as the most precious gift of all.