Thank you, O Creator,
that we have risen this day
to the rising of this life.
May it be a day of blessing.

O Creator of all gifts
may a day of new beginnings
be our gift this day.

As the mist scatters
from the crest of the hills,
may any ill haze
clear from our minds
and may a mantle of protection
cloak our spirit, soul and body.

In this time of solstice and of Christmas, a dear friend sent me this prayer, written in her own hand, reminding me that I had sent it for her in a time of need many years ago. Gifts return, and sometimes the greatest function of a very good friend is to remind us of what we already know, but may have forgotten or failed to keep active in the hurry and distraction of our days.