Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Dear God,

Tuesday of Holy Week. I do not always know when you will appear. Your presence is always assured. But an appearance does not always become apparent until something happens. A glint in an eye, a light bulb going off, a sudden rush, a physical manifestation alerts me to your visit.

It is probably a good thing that I do not live by rigid plans for each day. I would surely miss the many times you have become visible to me. Flexibility, that's the word, flexibility. Being flexible during my day's activities allows for God to make a move, a power move in someone's life, including my own.

I have had it happen many times before when someone shows up at the church unexpected. I may go about my own business, the work of the church, but then something strikes me, a spiritual awareness that something is in the offing. I truly try to follow obediently, to follow the stirring, aware that God is present is a particular way. I can't explain it; I just know when it happens. Sometimes I ignore it. Too busy I tell myself. But more often than not, I follow the leading, taking the hand of God, walking in His steps.

Holy Week is fraught with possibilities. And why not? I need to be ready to accept God's working, a movement of spirit. God wants to heal, help, guide, comfort, challenge, love. Peace is possible in such moments. I know it. But there is work needing to be done. Digging for truth is hard labor, getting down to the core, carefully pulling back each layer, revealing hope. Exhausting, but beneficial. Changes lives.

One man. Gifts. Talents. Desire to follow, to be true. A pilgrim heart. On a journey. A seeker stopped by. The likeness of God.

The potential for spiritual transformation is always present, in any situation. God can and wants to grow us. A Holy Week transformation can change a life forever, because you, O Lord, desire it. It's not just any week.

I want to remain close,
listening for the slightest sound
of your coming.
I want to be ready
to receive you
for myself
or someone else.
You are the light
in my eye,
the sound in my voice,
the beat of my heart.
Keep me close
and ready.

Love always, Andrea