Saturday, December 9, 2006

Dear God,

Well, we trespassed on the property like we said we would. We traveled an hour and a half to southern Indiana. Past Pikes Peak, Indiana (didn't know there was such a place), off a gravel road, onto a dirt road covered with brown Autumn leaves. Rolling hills, creeks converging, downed trees and plenty of tall oaks, cherry, and chestnut trees. The sound of bubbling water making its way to the source. Five friends trooping across uneven ground, claiming this land for the future.

My friends (not the five, just a couple) made an offer on the land today. They hope to build a cabin, maybe even a bunkhouse, a fire pit and a place for campers (by the stream, next to the rising hill) The opening of the house will look out onto a large pond (or small lake whichever way you look at it). The back will view the hills rolling downward into the creek. The sides, well, you get the picture, every view is picturesque, God in creation.

After tromping around on one side, we then drove to the other side (about seven acres) We were in search of pine trees. A pitiful display (we decided if they get the property, we will plant some fast-growing pines), we opened the trunk of the van (do vans have trunks?) and took out the sacks of cranberry and popcorn strings as well as the pine cones squished with peanut butter and bird seed. We scattered, placing pine cones in trees branches and limbs and putting the colorful Christmas "decorations" on the pitiful pines. We did take one silly picture of ourselves wrapped in cranberries and popcorn (making ourselves look like Christmas trees). Giggling, playing and laughing, we achieved our goal for the trespass, to decorate for Christmas, to feed the birds.

And then I offered an open-eyed prayer. That's where you can look around and see all God's handiwork while the prayer is prayed. I thanked God for this magnificent land, for all that would happen here, for family and friends who would live here, sharing their lives and joy. As we concluded, we made our way back to the car and lunch in Nashville.

As we drove home in the evening, the sun setting spreading beautiful pinks across the sky, we were quiet, left to our own imagination and reflection. God with us.

Your voice speaks out
loud and clear.
A vision of your life
among us
resonates;
we feel your spirit.
A life with God,
faith connecting human beings,
draws people together.
We marvel in your presence,
celebrating the glory of it all.
Christmas.
A Son.
A Savior.
Love.

Eternally yours, Andrea