Sunday, March 18, 2007

Dear God,

During Lent I am renewing. I am painting rooms in my house, getting ready for new carpet. I am cutting the plants back in the garden, preparing for new growth. I am spending more time with my husband, savoring moments until he leaves. I am cleaning out old papers, making more room for empty space.

Either I am in the mode of spring cleaning or I am laying the foundation for renewal in myself. Perhaps both. I think what we often do externally is a sign of what is happening internally. I am cleaning up my internal life, ridding myself of unwanted behaviors, attitudes, giving myself space and time to greet God properly on Easter morning.

Lent has always been a sacramental time for me. Holy Week has traditionally been the most meaningful week of my personal year. And Easter, the birds sing harmony on this day. I rise up early on Easter morning and the first thing I do is open the door to listen. The birds somehow know it is a sacred day and they do their part in ushering in the season of Easter, the resurrection.

I am shaping myself up for the great resurrection day with God. I cannot live life as usual during Lent. I have to make myself ready for God. This season is intended for a soul cleanup. Imagine God greeting new "converts" on Easter morning. I want my soul to be as pure as possible on this great faith renewal morning.

Sometimes renewal is difficult, examining my inner life, too many changes. A life gone a little haywire. At other times it feels natural, like the way winter turns to springtime. I know what I am moving toward and I know the implications of a life turned toward God in an intentional way. Joy.

What seems to be unique in my endeavors this year is that I am not frenzied, panicked trying to make everything happen. I am not getting up at 3:00 a.m. to put in as many hours as possible to get all things done. I take one thing at a time. And I enjoy. In fact as I paint inside or trim outside, my thoughts turn toward the Creator. A simple task keeps me focused. My temperament is being cleared of cobwebs, moments when my life is lived without a conscious intention toward God. At times of the year I gathered spiritual cobwebs from a lack of refreshing spiritual activities that keep me sharp, alert, and watchful. These mundane tasks allow for a cleansing time.

I'm getting ready for God, trying to put on my best face, heart, soul and spirit.

Does all this activity
mean something for you, God?
Does the Lenten clean up
account for a necessary change?
Does a soul need sprucing up,
at a time when it has been neglected?
Your presence urges me on.
As I encounter you daily,
I think of your call
to be attentive to soul living.
I think of your loving way
and my need to become more loving.
I think of your kindness
and my need to become more kindly.
I think of how blessed I am
in your presence
and how I want to be a greater blessing.
Open the doors and windows
to my heart and soul.
Let your spirit wind blow
throughout my spiritual home.
Cleanse me from within.
Let the sweet scent of your love
fill me to capacity
so I may be a vessel of love
bursting forth with Christ.
Easter joy.

I will love you always, Andrea