From the Prayer Journal of Fr. Jack Tolley

  "He knows what is in the darkness" - Daniel 12:17-30 

Have you ever been ashamed of something you did or said, and then deeply regretted it ?  I think we all have.
The author of this reflection was ashamed and in despair  and found God's love and forgiveness.
Blessings, love, and hugs, 
Fr. Jack.

I was ashamed and in despair, carrying a burden of guilt that seemed suffocating.  I had hurt someone  dear.
​I would have done anything to have taken it back,  but the deed was done. The more I tried to come up with a way out, a way to "fix" the problem, the more hopeless things seemed to be. 
I needed help and didn't know where to turn. Panic set in.  I went to church still stewing. Despite my distractions, the Lord made sure I listened to familiar words of the opening collect from Holy Eucharist: " Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid..."

   My muscles began to relax as I slowly exhaled.  Gradually, palpably, the realization spread over me that God already knew full well what I had done and loved me anyway. I poured out my heart, asking for forgiveness and guidance. I no longer felt alone. There is darkness in all of our lives. 
What do you need to share with God "from whom no secrets are hid."
     
 ( Forward Day by Day, 2006. Unknown author. )