Most work week days begin the same way for me. After one snooze on the alarm clock, I welcome my husband’s quick kiss and then crawl out of bed to pack his breakfast and lunch while he showers and gets dressed for work. Since his commute is an hour, morning comes early for us. But I am used to it now. Once the shoes are on, I know it is just minutes before my husband gets into the car and backs out of our garage and into the still darkened skies of his morning routine. I walk with him toward the car, receive a goodbye kiss and tell him to “be safe” as he gets into the car. I do this every morning. And as I watch the garage door lower once his car has backed out, I look briefly to heaven and voice a simple request. “God, keep him safe.”

It may seem that it is something done with little thought. Just an impulsive habit. But it is not. Each and every time, it is a quick moment when I remember in whom my faith is entrusted. I truly am mentally present in the moment when I ask God to keep my husband safe as he begins his drive to work. That He keep him safe while he is on the road, that He protect him through his day, and that He keeps him safe until he returns to me each evening. The simple prayer is not magic. I know there is no guarantee that something bad will not happen. God does not have to grant my request. But I know that I have taken a moment at the beginning of each day to acknowledge the One who holds the power to bless our lives that day.

My faith is strong. It has been tested. And God has never let me down. My actions do not always represent the depths of my belief. My active participation in church has been one of peaks and valleys throughout my adult life. But my faith has never wavered. I know that God is always close by—it is me who pulls away. I know that when the next hardship comes my way, God will be right there to guide me through it. I know when good things happen, that God is to be thanked. I know that even when I do not give God much of my time, He is still there for me.

So, tomorrow morning, as my husband pulls out of our garage and the garage door closes on the frigid morning air, I will once again pray, “God, keep him safe.” And I know He will listen. And I know He will not be angry that I may not take time for Him again the entire day. But I know He waits for me to remember that He is there for more than just my daily request. He is always there. And He has so much more He wants to show me, to teach me.

So many blessings await me. Thank you, God, thank you. And God, please continue to keep him safe.