This morning my son and daughter-in-law were packing for a trip to Yellowstone, and I chose to sit among the things they were taking and begin a litany of my concerns like—do be careful and aware of the bears; and when you cast your fishing rods, do it with care as fishing hooks are meant for only the fish; and I know you are taking warm jackets, but take warm caps also; etc.

It’s a mother thing, and although my son of nearly 50 years has gotten along very well without his mother for a good many years, the control freak in me always seems to come welling up.

But the expression on my son’s face of half amusement and half resignation, and the silent flicker of communication between this loving couple tipped me off that perhaps it would be better to bow out for the time being.

I went to my room and began reading an article in the booklet The Wonder-Working Power of Prayer, you sent me. It was so clearly just what I needed at that moment. It was my need of assurance that all would be well with my adventuring children. I can’t cover all the bases for them, nor find any comfort in my own admonitions. But a prayer for their safety, peace, and joy soothed me. And if I tend to doubt the answer to my prayer, I will affirm as often as necessary that ‘From the moment I turn to God in prayer, the answer is on its way.’

All of your booklets, poems, articles, and letters always touch me in some way. I am learning through them to talk to God and to listen. God is little by little becoming a very real presence in my life.”

A loving smile for all,
DD, Tucson, Arizona