God, You once guided Your people so clearly.

A pillar of fire and cloud.

Unmistakable.

And I tend to think that I’d have followed You better

if You made it so clear and visible, impossible to miss.

But I probably wouldn’t.

I’d balk and complain and sometimes rebel.

And You’d be patient and merciful.

But sometimes You would say, “Enough.”

And discipline me

for my own good- and growth.

And even now, when it’s not always quite so clear,

I still resist You.  And complain.

And still You’re patient.  And merciful.

And sometimes You say, “Enough.” And discipline me

for my own good– and growth.

So in this moment of clarity

I will stop.

And breathe “Thank You.”

Amen.