Thursday, May 1, 2008

Dear God,

May Day. When I wrote the date a memory flashed in my head. When I was a child May Day was a big day. Children cut, pulled, or stole flowers from around the house (ours or someone else's), put them in a bouquet, then crept up to the door of the house of our mother or a friend, a grandmother or someone special, laid the bouquet at the door, rang the bell or knocked on the door, then ran like crazy and hid. It was meant to be a surprise.

I loved the look on my mother's face or whoever I decided was really special. The flowers from our garden were usually violets, Lily of the Valley, dandelions or those really tall, blow-in-the-wind old fashioned flowers that we used to pull apart to make dolls. Of course, we never admitted we were the surprise visitors, but the recipient always knew.

I have always loved giving surprises. I love the look that comes across the face of a down-in-the-dumps person or someone on their birthday. It's like this unexpected gift that comes out of nowhere, a generous gift of love.

Of course, I know where the greatest surprises come from. They always come from you. When something unexpected comes my way, like sunshine on a gloomy day, a smile spreads across my face, a natural response to a gift given.

How many times have I been surprised by you? A hundred? A thousand? A million? Every day I am surprised once again. Just the way the sun rises or a flower opens or a child smiles or a prayer is answered or a revelation comes or a transforming moment is offered, I am surprised again like the first time.

Your awesome gifts always surprise me. They shouldn't, but they always do. Perhaps I am like a child whose day is always new, new things to learn and see and do and experience. Like the first time you walk on the new green grass of spring and feel the cool, soft blades beneath your feet. So wonderful! Or when a new bunny hops across your path or the first leaf turns color in Autumn or the first snow flake falls. Or a song brings me to you or a scripture brings relief or I breathe in hope, peace usually following. Unexpected gifts always takes me to your feet, right where I need to be.

Wondrous and Amazing God,
thank you
for all the May Days
I was able
to be
the mystery visitor.
And thank you
for every time
you mysteriously visited me.
What wondrous things happen
all around me.
I see you
in every one.
Thank you,
thank you.
I love you.

Love, Andy