Atmosphere

Blessed are You,
Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
for atmosphere:
vigilant protector of earth,
gaseous, transparent blanket.
Through it I see lightyears away,
into eternity past.

Blessed are You
for this vastness,
and for the accompanying
sense of smallness,
releasing me from striving
to impress the world,
impress myself, impress You.

Blessed are You,
Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
for Your invisible, protective Spirit.
Your presence saves me.
Fear and shame combust on impact.
It is both profligate freedom,
and steadfast humility.
Your breath is my shield,
and my window to eternity.