Monday, July 21, 2008

My dearest God,

My seven year old granddaughter and I sat in the new chair on my front porch this morning. At 6:45 a.m. all wrapped up in robes (she looked so cute all wrapped up in my long, white, fluffy robe) we sat down to watch the sun peek over the horizon. I asked her what she saw that God had created. She was pretty enamored with the trees.

Our conversation took us to prayer. I told her I had come to the conclusion that the best way to start the day was with a prayer of gratitude. I suggested that she look around and think about what to be grateful for. It was hard for her at first because she told me she's not used to praying. As she said one thing, I said one thing. Back and forth we went offering all the things we could think of to be thankful for.

What was really fun was listening to the birdsong. An array of bird voices singing. That's what started our conversation in the first place. What do you think the birds are singing about? I asked her. I suggested that the birds were happy to have beautiful trees to sit in, worms to eat, new babies and a song to sing. She listened and listened.

Every time I am able to be with a grandchild to talk about such beautiful things I am ecstatic with joy. Tender hearts and minds hear better, respond better than weary hearts too busy living daily life. Knowing that you are the author of such communication, I know you are always the third party in the conversation. I am blessed.

Hear my heart
beating with joy,
O Lord,
for my joy
is always directed
toward you.
So much
around me
speaks of your presence
in the world.
To sit
in a chair
on my porch
with my grandchild
talking about you
is one of life's
greatest joys.
Thank you.

Always yours, Andrea