Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Dearest God,

Thank you God for daffodils blooming, for warm sunshine upon my face, for beaming grandchildren, for a psychological breakthrough for a friend, for new members joining our church, for a beautiful contemplative garden, for finding the lost kangaroo from my Noah's Ark (second animal found in my pond - I think one of my grandchildren threw them in there), for music that causes my spirit to soar, for the article on my Carmelite sisters, for my niece and her family who will move nearby, for my friend recovering from radiation therapy, for cottage cheese (I just love cottage cheese), for the cardinals who call my garden "home," for my patio and screened in porch all setup waiting for us to enjoy picnics, reading, and silence, for the honor of my pictures appearing in two national magazines, for the beautiful letter from Lilly affirming the church's and my renewal... These are just some of the things for which I am grateful.

I recognize that life is about blessing you for many gifts given. My day begins with a prayer of gratitude, ends the same way. What happens in between is the stuff that inspires me to be grateful. I am always on the lookout for signs of your presence, for gifts from your hands, for help in difficulty, for precious moments of guidance and direction, for love given and forgiveness imparted. I am never disappointed and always reminded that all good things come from you.

I live a life of gratitude. Why? Because I am very sensitive to what happens around me and to me. I realize I have little power to orchestrate events that change people's lives. Yet, I know it when I see it.

Each day I go about my business doing my work at church and home. I awaken to a beautiful home that keeps me warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I have food in my refrigerator and clothes to wear. I have a beautiful garden adjacent to my patio and birds that enjoy it as much as I. I have family more and more uniting with one another, recovering from a schism that took places years ago. I have grandchildren spilling over. I have money to pay my bills. I have a church in which to do ministry, people seeking you, grace abounding. I have friends. All these...gifts from God.

My heart overflows
with praise.
Daily I see
signs of your coming.
Prints all around.
I know
you are the source
of it all.
I give thanks
to the Wonder of All Wonders.
My heart overflows
with praise.

Love, Andrea