A good friend, I speak of frequently, sent me an email about a difficult family situation. He ended it with "At times the most appealing thought in the world is to become a pillow, and live out a life on a bed and occasionally under a head, between knees, etc. I spend mental energy fantasizing about being bedding, is my current state of being."
He asked me to keep his family in my thoughts. I wrote him this prayer in response. I offer it here. It is somewhere both silly and sincere.
Lord help me to be a pillow. Guide me in your tradition of bed-making which Jesus and the saints followed. On my journey in your stillness, open my air-pockets so I can comfort what is weary. Grant me patience to wait through the long day, both heated afternoon sun and dreary humid rain, and receive the heavy head that lays itself upon my down. Open my folded creases so I can welcome who is tired and bring calm dreams to the anxious mind. Open my folds and shape to the currents of air flow around me, that I may release the heat and sweat of painful dreams and take in afresh the cool night air; bringing it close to the mind burdened from the day. May my location be a familiar one, that those who lose me in the night, find me with ease. Shape me, O Lord, that my contours may alleviate loneliness from those who long to hold and be held. In the morning, I pray, make me a pillow to shield from a bright and stark light, but may I have brought rest enough to grant strength for the day. In my transformation, Lord, might I find all these qualities already inside myself, brought forth not through great effort, but in the midst of gentle contemplation. Amen.
This is amazing, friend. <3
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