Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Dear God,

I am missing Spring. I think I have missed most Springs. I am usually so busy during Spring that I miss the new life that is cropping up here, there, and everywhere. When I do take a minute, I realize that I missed the birth of a purple tulip, the opening of a star magnolia, a water lilly poking out of the water. When they do catch my eye, I feel sad having missing the best part of nature. I didn't even know that the tree in my contemplative garden had blossomed. When I noticed it today, some of the blossoms had already withered and died.

I am filling up my life again. Whether at work (which is pretty overwhelming itself), inside the house (new carpet, oiling wood that is cracking) or tending to the garden which is crying out to me for attention either to show me its beauty or pointing out its weeds, I am filling up my life. I don't like it one bit. And today I leave for Kentucky for three days to do a wedding and rehearsal. By the time I return I will only have time for sermon preparation, then Sunday will emerge once again.

This is an old pattern. It begins late winter and moves into Spring. I designed my contemplative garden with all its array of flowers, bushes, trees, pond, and ornamentation and I miss its unfolding in the Spring.

Today as I drive down the highway keeping my eyes on the road, my mind will be thinking about Spring and what it has to offer and what I can do about my present predicament.

Your gentle reminder,
a flowering tree
just beyond my window
call me to stop.
Stop and think.
Evaluate.
Examine.
Hello, soul,
you in there?
What do you think
about this old pattern?
If you don't like it,
what do you intend
to do about it?
You're in charge
of your own life.
Your own words to me,
dear Lord,
your loving words gracing me
to stop the old pattern,
think new,
and reflect
upon what is presently present.
Please help me drink in
your beauty today.
My heart gives thanks.

Thanks for loving me when I do stupid things, Andrea