a blessing for when you’re running on fumes

Sometimes I am paper
thinning at every touch.

Responsibilities and duties and errands
are wearing me down.
There is not enough time or energy
or finances or imagination.

I hardly recognize myself.

I can’t keep going, but I can’t rest.
God, can You help me slow down?

I just need a little shelter and a long breath.

Give me space to curl up for a while.
Hold me until I can feel my shoulders drop,
and I am freed from what can’t happen right now.

Let me think only about what is gentle and lovely,
what is bountiful and unencumbered on this too-heavy day.

God, scoop me up into life as it is.
Stop me from running ahead,
so I can be here,
in this space,
for the moment.
And breathe.

Amen.