Monday, March 19, 2007

Dearest God,

Last week I received a letter from Sarah, a college student who plans to participate in an international mission trip this summer. I watched Sarah grow up. As a member of my former church, my husband and I shared in her life. Harold was her pastor when she was born. We observed her early days in our preschool. A sweet smile and loving way is Sarah's trademark.

She plans to travel to South Africa, to Johannesburg and Zimbabwe to work with destitute children. Sarah will be wonderful. They will love her. She will offer them all she has.

I plan to send a check to support her trip. But more than that I will pray and ask God to bless Sarah's work as she offers herself out of her commitment to Christ as a Peace Studies and Religion major. She will make a difference in the world.

This is not the first time we have been invited to affirm and support the ministry of a young person traveling to some far off destination. Many of our youth have written us, giving us opportunity to journey with them as part of their faith promise to God. Every prayer and dollar has reminded me how important it is to teach our children about God, about caring for our neighbor. To be part, albeit a small part, of a child's life of faith is a rich heritage we carry as pastors. This is evidence that something we may have said or did contributed to a heart warming to God's ministry of love. We are humbled by God's gracious grace.

Sarah is at the beginning of her life as an adult. She will live many years contributing to peace in the world. She will offer the love of Christ to all with whom she comes in contact. All around her people will be touched, inspired by God's spirit. Her life counts for much.

Perhaps it pays to be in the autumn of my life. For one's perspective is an interesting one. At 60 I have enough time behind me now to look back, to reflect, to ponder my relationships, my work, my love, my commitments. I can see fruit in the wake of my life. Oh, not that I did anything big. Only God does big things. We just get to create the setting whereby God acts, lives, loves, transforms, and does miracles. And I am provided the opportunity to set on the back stoop, giving thanks. How grateful I am.

Generous Spirit,
how I marvel at your work.
I give thanks
again and again and again
for the majesty of it all.
How wonderful you are
to touch our lives
in beautiful ways.
We are simple human beings
loving a Compassionate God,
full of grace and mercy
for all God's children.
I am honored
to participate in your life
and the lives of others.
I love you.

Love, Andrea