Stephen Yeargin

Samantha and I went to a church group meeting tonight at a co-worker’s home. While we do not go to the same church as the others in attendance, it is clear to see that communities of faith can share the same core message regardless of denominational lines.

The evening’s reading was from the book of Exodus, as was a recent sermon at the church my wife and I attend. Both held to the central message that Moses, a great leader of the Israelites he delivered from slavery and led them for 40 years in the wilderness to the brink of Canaan, stands as a testament to faith in God’s plan.

My personal faith is not something that I regularly share or outwardly celebrate. I readily admit that my conversations with the Creator are few and far between, but for what they lack in frequency I like to believe they make up for in substance.

A fraternity brother from another chapter and even another generation shared with me this short prayer some time ago. Dr. Roger Festa is a faculty member at Truman State University (Mo.) and the chapter counselor for the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter there.

A Young Man’s Prayer (From the Jesuits)

Lord, mighty God,
In power and wisdom You shape me and my world.

You chose my life-world – my time, my city, my language.

You give me understanding and passions;
You fill me with desiring and with energies.
You give me voice to sing songs to You for all creation.

For all that has passed between us, I thank You.
To all that You are now doing in me, I say yes…
In the name of Him in whom everything says yes,
Jesus, My Lord and good brother.

Amen.

Tonight’s group conversation and what Brother Festa’s message here have a common thread. Both encouraged an acknowledgment that through faith all things are possible, and that the challenges we face today are all part of a much larger plan. Likewise, the minor frustrations that dominate our consciousness are truly insignificant in the larger picture. That can all be wrapped up with the notion that each of us should be grateful for all of life’s blessings.

In typical “frat boy” fashion, the post title comes from Daniel Lanois “The Maker,” as performed by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds on their “Live at Radio City Music Hall” album.