Anointing

   As he sat at the table,          a woman came with an alabaster jar                   of very costly ointment of nard,          and she broke open the jar                   and poured the ointment on his head —Mark 14.3

Beloved, may everything I do today be my anointing of you; every thought, word and deed a pouring out of myself for you, a gift of service, adoration and thanks. May every act comfort you, receive your sacred story, join me to you in your suffering, embrace your dying and prepare for what will follow. In your death may you be wrapped

in the balm of my own heart. Give me courage to give my gifts no matter how others may judge them. May my life give off the aroma of gratitude and love. Accept the anointing of my tears, my prayers, my being. In your love I carry the alabaster jar of my life into this new day.

~Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes