Sunday, February 10, 2008

Dearest God,

We haven't been together for years. Conflict, hurt, resentment, bitterness ruled for so long.

A warming trend is taking place. Four children born in seven years have returned to one another. Three of us had come together last November. But now the four of us sat at the table together. Talking.

But this is not the only one. I stood in what used to be a navy chapel, surrounded by a naval base. Abandoned, it is now a ritzy village. Pretty much you can walk anywhere and find just what you need. We can't because there is snow everywhere; it is bitter cold and snowing.

What I discovered is that the warming trend is occurring in another family, the one to whom my niece is marrying. Two young people, both 33 are wedding. He a norwegian serving in the US Army Rangers; she a sales consultant for a leading retail store. How they found each other is a miracle story in itself.

I led the wedding rehearsal, instructing everyone in the wedding ceremony. Seating everyone is a challenge. Two divorces muddy the waters. Can't sit together, especially when bitterness grew up between them. Different pews on both sides.

When we concluded, I invited family and friends to gather in a circle for prayer in the altar area.
Hands once bitter, reached out becoming one circle. I shared alarming statistics about the chances of this marriage making it. "The more divorces in the family, the greater the chance of divorce in this marriage." A sobering thought, we bowed for prayer.

I began. "What a privilege it is, Great Loving God, to be one circle. We thank you for your grace that allows us to reach out to one another..." I prayed, leaving my prayer open for others to join in. "Dear God, please do not allow the mistakes of our parents to claim this marriage. Give them all the more determination to be the couple you want them to be." My one niece prayed. "Father, we thank you for the love of Jesus in our children who are to be married. Give them your grace to work out their difference, and a love that will conquer every disagreement." His father prayed. "Let this love be a covenantal love, O God." His mother prayed. "Dear Heavenly Father, make me a godly wife for my husband. Help me to support and love him always." The bride offered.

It continued as family members and friends offered prayer on their behalf. Somewhere in the midst of the praying, we began worshipping, honoring God, lifting you up, giving praise and thanksgiving. The sweet spirit in the holy space seemed to erase the bitterness from the past. Each parent prayed for their child and spouse. I opened my eyes to see you with us.

You are God.
Only you
can heal us,
filling in the
grevious cracks
of the past.
Your love
can take hold,
renewing cells
that had forgotten
how to love.
You are God
whose loving forgiveness
touches hearts,
restoring life.
You are God,
healer of our souls.

Love, Andrea