Writing the last few pages of a novel is one of the hardest parts for authors I think (second only to going back and re-writing/editing!) You want so badly to be finished and yet, you don’t want to cheat your readers or put forth a halfhearted effort just to get done. I feel like I have to reach down and summon my final energy, and even then I struggle. Time to call in the special forces…recognize I need help…and call on the Holy Spirit. As in most things in life, I can’t do my best work writing without God’s help. And I’m reminded especially in this Easter season that Jesus, after He died and was resurrected, sent the Holy Spirit to remain with His apostles, who were also struggling, assuring them “…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything…” (John 14:26) They  were feeling alone, holed up in the upper room, knowing they had work to do to spread the Good News, but not wanting to venture forth, afraid of what they might find out there, afraid of the challenges that lay ahead. “Jesus said to them ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.’ When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…'” (John 20:21-22)
And I believe Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to remain with us and guide and help us today, no matter what we may be facing.  “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us…And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s Will.” (Rom. 8:26-27)  Are you facing a difficult problem or challenge, or just feel frustrated, unsure, down, alone?  Maybe it’s just the fact that it’s Monday morning and you have the blues? This morning I hope you pray with me then: Holy Spirit, please work through me to know and do Your Will, to love and serve others to the best of my abilities, Amen.
