Saturday, April 28, 2007

Dearest God,

A television blares, Musak plays all in the same room as I write here in the motel lobby. People sit feet away eating their continental breakfast. Other persons gather at the front desk to check out. Life is happening as I share my most intimate thoughts with you.

There is something uniquely beautiful about writing to you in different settings. I thought about bringing my own laptop, but stopped short of bringing it. I want to encounter your presence in ordinary places.

In the universe I could dance this morning as I think about your presence in high and low places, among the wealthy and the not-so wealthy, among people of all color and culture. In my little spot here in the corner with an Autumn picture of a forested water scene on the wall above me, my thoughts are of you only. You are to be found anywhere, everywhere. Any place can be the site of your revealed presence. I believe I will ride with you from Kentucky to Indiana. You and I will talk, hopefully I will spend more time listening than talking.

I have needed this time away, although it has been hectic. Getting lost, wedding rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, late night going to bed, breakfast, preparing a bulletin, a bride's luncheon, foot massage and pedicure for my friend Susan, wedding preparation, wedding and reception, with work on the treadmill this morning, packing and preparing to go home, breakfast with Zac, friend to Steve and a member of my former church. Aah! But it has felt good to have a break from the ever-growing work of ministry. All good, just lots of good!

I began my second blog with an ever growing interest in discovering God in the ordinariness of life. I realize more and more that God is discerned more easily in ordinary daily living than hunting for God in great big ways, big events, high mountain top experiences. Learning to find God in simple ways is far more rewarding than expecting an annual giant moving experience, like going on vacation with God for a few days once a year. When you and I find each other daily, life is sweeter. I don't have to wait a long time in between "visits."

Like St. Paul I am content to be in God's space every day.

Simple things
are my pathway
to you.
A sunset,
a grandchild's laughter,
a choir singing,
two people helping one another,
an unselfish act,
a spontaneous dance,
an insight,
a candle burning,
hope rising out of ashes,
a turning back,
trust
lead me to You.
Wondrous
and revealing.

Love always, Andrea