Growing Affection
by Tim Soerens
Dear God,
There are so many ordinary ways
To give and receive your love.
From the cuddles of our kids.
From the laughter of a dear friend.
From holding the hand of a spouse.
Teach me today
To give and receive
Your love as a neighbor.
Help me to see my neighbors
With curiosity and growing affection.
Help me to be seen by my neighbors
With curiosity and growing affection.
May this love and affection grow
All over our neighborhood
Like a handmade quilt,
Warm and wide enough for everyone.
Amen.
Tim Soerens lives in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago with his family and is the co-founding executive director of the Parish Collective.