Thursday, July 10, 2008

Dear God,

Having a vision for the future can drive a person to do things that will unlock the door to something great. What you have done for me is widen my vision for your presence in the context of helping others.

We're going to orchestrate another mission event in our church. What I "see" is a vision of happy people sharing together around a meal and merriment. I see items given out of love become the springboard of sharing that same love with others needing it. I see the door opening to a wider understanding of who we are and what we can accomplish together in your name.

Sometimes we think pretty small. We can't see ourselves doing BIG things, really BIG things. So we settle for small, sometimes tiny. But when we do something bigger, we shock ourselves. We can't hardly believe it. We get so excited!

But I remember thinking about people in the bible who thought really big. Paul thought of storming the whole world with Christ. He found his way to them through great difficulty and no small amount of harm to himself. Peter, John, the disciples and apostles, even newly converted souls thought big.

We need to blow the door off the church! We need to allow BIG to enter. We don't have to be afraid. It's your work, your inspiration, your presence and your promise that you will do great things through us. We need to let out all the stops, interrupting all the obstacles and barriers we have put in our way. We need to just let you do what you want through us!

When I pick up an item at a local store to donate to the church, I see mission. I see hope for someone. I see love extended to someone who may not feel loved. I see a bridge to a bigger tomorrow. I see Christ, your son. I see you at work. I feel blessed, encouraged, loved to participate in so wondrous an activity that someone called "good news." I feel overwhelmed with all the grace given to me and those I love including the church. I see joy, joy in you, in one another and in those we will help with dollars made. I see faith happening in common ways not only in a church building but in a Meijer store or Target or somewhere else. I know I'm riding on your wave with intentionality and I know you are making a difference in me and those to whom I extend my hand. Yes, a simple item can boggle my mind in service.

Wondrous, Loving God,
how simple
is life
when we trust
in you.
How my faith grows
when I
simply give you
my hand.
My hand,
my heart,
my soul
and mind.
Giving myself
to you
means giving myself
to the world
because you
desire it.
Most Holy,
keep my feet
on solid ground
but keep
my soul
soaring
in the heavenlies
with you.

Loving you, Andrea