Note from Nora: Traffic Jam Prayer

Time is such a precious commodity, and we often complain about not having enough of it.

Last weekend when the GC43 Executive Elect met to continue discerning how they will meet and be accountable and ensure that they hear from diverse voices, one of the things that was mentioned was that we may need to get over being so rigidly time bound. It was left as a challenge, an intention, but without a clear strategy for now.

I had cause to reflect on the value of time on Wednesday as I sat in the parking lot on the north edge of Toronto that is otherwise known as Highway 401. I was on my way to a family gathering in Stratford. The drive would normally take about an hour and a half, but I had given myself plenty of time because my uncle, who was hosting, values punctuality, and I thought I might arrive a bit early and have time for a short walk before the dinner. As it turned out, the drive ended up taking almost four hours because of an accident that closed two of the three lanes.
I sat there in often-stationary traffic, frustrated about the delay, and wondering if it was worth it or if I should simply turn back. I sat there like that for a long time. As time went on, I started reminding myself of all the things I should be grateful for:  

• I was not involved in the accident
• I was safe and warm
• My health is good, and in fact I am feeling ready for the 5k run as part of this Sunday’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon where I will be part of the Islington United team, fundraising in support of the congregation’s refugee work
• The leaves on the trees have taken on their vibrant fall hues and I had time to look at them
• It was a beautiful sunny day, with, a little later, a sunset that glowed like a Turner painting, and a little after that, lovely streaks of distant rain against the grey light of dusk
• I was by myself so I could choose whatever I wanted to listen to on the radio (although the CBC was disappointing because you can only listen to so much about the legal purchase of cannabis)
• My son is responsible, and kind and funny too
• Although I was going to be very late for dinner, there would be delicious food waiting for me
• Late or not, I was about to be with a big group of beloved family members.

  It came to me that I was crafting a prayer of thanksgiving. Even as I found it hard to be fully thankful for sitting in a traffic jam, it helped to remind myself of all the things I have to be grateful for.

Another of which was that I seldom drive on the 401 by Toronto, something many others have to do every day.

I think prayer is often like this. Aside from the beautifully crafted prayers that we might read from a book, our personal prayers are often a jumble of mixed feelings. And this makes sense really, if we are going to turn our burdens as well as our joys over to God. There are few days that are purely filled with one or the other. God is there for all of us, for all parts of our lives.

Thanks be to God.  

 — Nora Sanders is General Secretary of The United Church of Canada. 

This message was originally sent to subscribers to the General Secretary's letter, "Note from Nora." Subscribe here.