Monday, May 12, 2008

My dearest God,

Quietly, slowly the House of Blessing is coming together. The house, yard and garden need tending. Rooms needs cleaning, the yard needs cutting, the garden still needs a few shots of Round Up to clear the thistles. New plants to replace those lost in the drought last year need to be purchased. Dirt needs spreading to cover the roots that moved upward to find water a year ago and mulch is sitting on the driveway waiting to be placed on top to hold the moisture. Yet, I feel nearly ready to sit at the front door threshold to pray for all those who will step inside.

More often than not I have enjoyed the preparation stage of anything. I enjoy preparing a gourmet meal. I enjoy putting a sermon together. I enjoy creating a retreat. I enjoy preparing for a study. I enjoy cleaning my home, clearing the garden, and caressing the atmosphere to provide a setting that will bespeak the wonders of God.

I remember some of the times when I tried to shortcut this process, trying to hurrying through something. Generally I grew exhausted, became grouchy and the final something was a disappointment. This time I know I cannot hurry. I am taking one thing at a time, completing it, smiling and moving on. Although I still have several somethings to do, I feel no anxiety about it. I am simply in the preparation stage, caring for a sacred space, tending to the soul until the time comes to be done.

Prepare my heart
for your coming,
dear God.
Prepare my home
for your coming,
dear God.
Prepare my soul
for your coming,
dear God.
Prepare me
for your coming.

Love, Andrea