A lot of life unfolds daily, which could make the I don’t know prayer appropriate for any individual. And for those of us who may be in a good space currently, we can read these words and remember quickly with a feeling in our body or an ache in our gut or heart, as to when these words resonated with our soul.
The only thing I would change is that this prayer does not need to be in a quiet, hidden space. I believe this can also be prayed out loud in public, as there is no shame in the need or desire to pray the I don’t know prayer!
If you pray the I don’t know prayer after you read this, know you are loved and not alone! It takes courage to say I don’t know and leave it there. It is a very courageous act taken. May we all care well for one another in the times we know and the times we do not!❤️ trish
I loved having young nieces and nephews. Those years were full of adventure; when we gathered, all had fun (regular mediation occurred as well, but we did our best to do that by learning to respect one another.) There was complete joy from ring pops, cheese balls and late night capture the flag. This group of cousins through the years has always had each others backs. They show up for each other in times of deep sorrow and celebrate each other in times of exuberant joy!
And then they all seemed to be getting older, all at once. 😉 They were growing in every way; growing taller, smarter, more socially skilled, becoming more mature in how they engage each other and their world. They began to show preferences about who they spent their time with. 
So, as they grow and change and find their way, some go to college, and some don’t. Some find clarity for their future, while others find their future with a little less clarity. Some own a home, others pay rent, some find love, while others are still looking. Some have children, some have full time work…some have children and work, they are all so uniquely and wonderfully themselves!
Usually, when I think of Siblings Day, I think of my siblings. But tonight, I was thinking about the sibling groups in my family of origin. I think of my Dad and my aunts and uncle. I think of my Mom and her eight sisters and three brothers. There are a lot of stories between these siblings and a lot of love. They each have pursued their way, and their stories have twists and turns. But in the end, God is faithful and glorified in their lives. And we say because two people fell in love, my siblings and I came to be. As we all get older, we enjoy one another so much. We miss Len, who died in 2012, but we remember him in the stories and memories we share. We see him in his children and marvel at how his legacy lives on through them. Len, Nick, Arlene, and Suzi have all birthed sibling groups that enhance our lives.
Some of these siblings have become aunts and uncles as a new sibling group is born. It is fun to watch them live into being Aunts and Uncles. Watching their nieces and nephews be so excited to see them brings sheer joy! It seemed like they were young just yesterday, and I was the new aunt!
I wonder how often you have needed the voices of your tribe to speak into your life and remind you that everything will be okay. Or perhaps they remind you of your strength, value, or worth.
I read this and am struck by how hopeful and refreshing it sounds. Could mature adults be willing to engage in disagreements in this way? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we weren’t focused on right and wrong but were willing to consider that we just saw things differently?
Today, I spent time with a family who is very dear to my heart. They were processing their mother’s unexpected death. One thing evident throughout the day was how these adult children had chosen to spend time with their Mom so often that there was sadness but not regret. They learned how to “show up” in different ways via FaceTime, for morning coffee, a meal, a glass of wine, or a phone call. I so often heard the family’s updates through their Mom, and she was delighted to be able to share.