Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Dearest God,

A computer that didn't work. No online banking. No retreat. Nothing. I tried and tried, but failed. I sat here at 5:00 a.m. paralyzed. I was stopped dead in my tracks. Frustrating! But then I tried again and it worked! Not at first; the machine was crippled. Why, I'm not sure.

Perfect day for a computer foul up! I realize that when my computer shuts down with countless pieces of valuable information, I am lost without a rudder. I can't reclaim the thousands of hours of ideas put to paper. Retreats. Greeting cards. Letters. Books. And more. When it's gone, it's gone. Kaput!

And so is the Spirit when a life takes a turn, leaving the spirit behind. Later today I leave for my covenant retreat. It's been fourteen months since our last retreat. Problems in the fall canceled our time together. I need this time away, to take a look inside, peering into my spirit heart. It is time to renew my covenant with you, God. I need your guiding power to release all that holds me captive to an old way. I seek only to take your lead and follow like a trusting dance partner.

The very thought of two days of spiritual activity is enlivening. I breathe fresh Spirit air, knowing that God will be a very present reality. I will have to be accountable to the words, promises I made last year. Why did I fail in some areas, soar in others? What held me back in some, propelled me in others? I so look forward to this prized time.

Leaving behind Lent and Holy Week work, weddings, hospital visits, counselling, retreat work, guests in my home, a torn up house literally with new carpet put down, problems here and there (no crises or catastrophies) housework, laundry, gardening, bill paying, whew and more brings a delight to my tired, weary spirit. This is my time with God and my spiritual brother and sister.

I pray for this time apart
with You and my spiritual partners.
Living up to a covenant promise
is spiritually challenging work.
But the rewards,
bringing joy to the Creator,
the Spirit Maker,
so fills me with joy
that I spill over,
making me want
to sing and dance
for the rest of my life.
Hold my feet to the fire,
the spiritual fire,
the fire of Pentecost
so that I may indeed
be refined,
my spirit aligned with yours.
I hear the angels singing,
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Sing it to me....Amen.

Love always, Andrea