Now as they went on their way,

Jesus entered a village.

And a woman named Martha

   welcomed Him

             into her house.

               Luke 10. 38

(Jesus knew exactly

        where He was going.

What Martha saw as

   a simple act of kindness

   and hospitality to a stranger

radically changed her life

            in profound ways.

There are no insignificant kindnesses.

When we invite Jesus

        into our days and our hearts,

He does not just rearrange the furniture

   but transforms in unexpected ways

        the course of our lives

   and consequently in the lives of others.

There are no ordinary days

           in the sight of God.

Every step we take

   traverses sacred ground.)

O LORD,

Help us to realize that this day

     is anything but ordinary.

May we see all those around us

    as divine appointments

    and even interactions with strangers

               as sacred encounters.

We ask You to enter into this day,

   but realize You are already here,

                 waiting for us.

Guide our steps.

Order our thoughts.

Align our hearts with Yours.

Help us to see -- and respond--

   differently in the familiar

   and always in the unexpected.