Monday, August 11, 2008

Dearest God,

Someone said today that the whole town is depressed because we've had so much rain. Gray clouds, rolling thunder and rain sweeping down the street can cause the mind and heart and even the body to succumb to the same darkness outside.

It may be true but I'm finding the sweet spirit of your love in the dark and somewhat dreary days. I'm realizing more and more that real joy in the spirit is of much greater value on gray days because instead of showing myself to the sunshine, I am giving myself to the sun creator. I am trusting more, giving more of myself to you. I don't need the sunshine; I need the One who makes the sun shine.

These last days and weeks have been a challenge. Although I've been in places that I love, my health has at times not wanted to hold. I have had to rest more and more. I have had to give in to accepting the help only you can give. I've had to take a good look at my limitations and accept the ever-growing need to care more and more for myself. Perhaps the rest will enable me to be infused with more spiritual energy that I can return to my work of ministry with greater compassion and love.

I'm learning more and more what it means to trust, to understand the great value of faith, and to lean on the Lord of All There Is. Sometimes I can be vibrant with energy; other times I am depleted. What makes life meaningful is the grace I find in between. No day is a bust. Every day is a day of opportunity, a chance, a hope for something more, not to accumulate but to savor, to taste, see, smell and touch. How glorious is that to know the Lord of Life is watching over me, holding my hand, giving me the ability to lift my hand in praise.

I am trusting
more and more,
in you, Lord,
in you.
My days
are bright
with hope,
in you, Lord,
in you.
When I'm tempted
to give up,
my faith
turns on
and my trust
turns in,
to you, Lord,
to you.
A river
of joy
flows through
my soul
when I trust
in you, Lord,
in you.

Love, Andrea