Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Dear God,

The ocean has a kind of mystique to it. Ever since we started coming to Maine 15 years ago it has held a divine place in my soul. At the end of my vacation on the way out of town I would visit the ocean one last time. I would stand at the water’s edge, give thanks, and bid it adieux until the next time. With watery eyes I would climb back into the car and wait months before returning.

Something happens to me at the ocean. It’s not just a beach, a place to sunbathe or frolic in the water. It is a divine site of the Holy. It is a doorway, a pathway to God, to you, Most High.

This morning I made my way to Mother’s Beach, a short, flat sandy beach, an excellent site in which to dance. This time I walked to the farthest stretch down by the rocks, a more secluded spot. I put on my white skirt and walked to the water, the breeze tossing my skirt back and forth.

I stood in quiet prayer, a gentle good morning love song. A tune came and I began to dance. I liked the song, a familiar tune, yet the name escaped me. I continued to make my offering to God, a sacred movement of love and awesome respect. Then the words came as I moved with you. “Lord, you have come to the lakeshore, looking neither for wealthy nor wise ones, you only ask me to follow humbly. O Lord, with your eyes you have searched me and while smiling have spoken my name. Now, my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me. By your side I will seek other seas.” We had sung the song in church last Sunday, and if I say so myself, we sang it beautifully.

The song was already in me before I came to the water. But it played in my head over and over again as I danced. “With your eyes you have searched me…” you are always looking over us. “…and while smiling have spoken my name…” To imagine you calling my name brings me overwhelming joy. God speaking my name. It was only in the last few minutes the words came. A smile swept over my face.

I left my boat on the shoreline a long time ago when first I realized your call upon my life. My paltry skiff is nothing compared to your great and wondrous vessel. Sailing on the seas of life with you fills me with hope and peace.

Let the wind blow at my back,
my front fixed on the horizon;
a view of God transfigures me.
Faith, joy and peace
fill me to capacity.
May I never forget.

Love to you always, Andrea