Friday, March 9, 2007

Dearest God,

A tiny seed germinates into a mighty oak. A seed, a tree. Miraculous!

An idea develops into a transforming tool for spiritual growth. A retreat manual, the how to's, prayers, songs, and activities. Participants gather as a seed, intending to grow like the oak tree. An idea, a simple idea in the hands of God can bring more than mighty oaks.

I'm amazed, intrigued, mystified by this process. Yet, I have done this for two decades. I have worked with God, a partner in joy. We hold hands, sometimes singing and dancing, other times pacing back and forth while clarity forms. The hardest part is when we labor to give birth to the idea. Phenomenal.

Women actually look forward to this seclusion, resting in a sacred sanctuary, home to nuns and retirement residents. It's true, they do want to escape from family, responsibility, and jobs. They enjoy staying in their own rooms with a view into the courtyard where a statue of Mary brings calm and peace. They revel in being pampered, meals prepared for them, hourly grazing at the snack table, special surprises planted in hand-made bags that hang on their doors, and spoony fudge toasts. They love being with friends. But more than all these, here on retreat they meet God.

I set aside three and a half days to work and write. It took two hours just to carry my computer equipment upstairs to the second floor in the Little Noddfa House plus luggage, food, stacks of books, music, coats, drinks, purse and assorted other novelty items to keep me inspired. After I redecorated my bedroom, taking furniture from other rooms and making it into my study, I sat down at the computer, looked out the window and gazed at the blue labyrinth printed on the concrete of the old tennis court. My eyes were fixed on the center, the Holy of Holies where God waits. I was ready.

I drew in a breath of Holy Spirit air. God and I would rejoin in our effort to create a safe and holy environment where women would step up, one by one, to be greeted by the Living Spirit. Sacred space. Partners in creation. Koinonia.

You surpass every expectation
by your love present.
I feel an electricity in the air,
a quiet solitude
where angels flutter,
and saints sing.
A holy trek.
A pilgrimage.
Light and shadow
travel together
speaking to one another
of things so sacred
and beautiful.
God is present.
We wait.

Love always, Andrea