Saturday, August 4, 2007

Dearest God,

The sights and sounds of women working in the kitchen is reminiscent of life on the farm in the 1950's. Working together on a project for the church. Peach jam and butter. Steam rising from boiling water where we plop the peaches in for a scald before plunging them into cold water, releasing the skin. Peeling, pitting, quartering, crushing, cooking, watching the butter transform from a white peach color to golden brown, canning, water bathing, lifting out, placing the beautiful jars on the table, listening to the lids pop. An exercise in love and patience.

Being attentive to our voices and actions leads me to you. I find you here in this cluttered kitchen of peaches and blueberries, colanders, assorted pans and lids, measuring cups and spoons, canning jars of varying sizes, sugar and spices. Ours are the voices of God sharing together.

Such times remind me that you are present in the ins and outs of our days. Whether in the kitchen preserving fruits, while showering, getting ready for church, talking with friends, doing the laundry or driving down the road, you are present. I sense your presence in all of these, never finding myself alone, without you. I glory in such moments for I know my days are divinely oriented. Whenever I fail or fall, I know you are still here.

Practicing the Presence, a book written by Brother Andrew, shares how the presence of God is with us in all situations, even in the daily ordinariness of life, as if any day is ordinary when it is lived with God. Each day is extraordinarily lived when intentionally in your presence. I smell the sweetness of life and the goodness of your loving peace and joy.

My daily exercise is to keep you front and center. Seeing through you to my life experiences rather than the other way around. Glorying in prized moments of anticipation and revelation. Every day is a new day to discover you in all things.

The women joined me in my efforts today. Not that they knew it. It's just the natural outcome of my day. Our laughter was the scent of joy, of women helping one another, sharing together in a common acitivity, reveling in silliness.

You present yourself
in various and meaningful ways,
O Lord.
I find you here
and there.
Walking with you
is my life's greatest happiness.
Eternal joy
is mine
as I hear your voice,
see your face,
feel your love.
Let your joy
well up within me.
Let it spill over
to others.
Humbly grateful.

Love always, Andrea