Monday, August 4, 2008

Dearest God,

My friends are coming home today, friends in your spirit. You called them to South America where they would work for you. You whispered to their spirit, "Come to me, I'll show you my children in need." And they answered, "Okay, Lord, I'll follow you. Just lead me."

How many times have I traveled to places I never intended to go? How often have I heard your sweet voice asking me to pick up my spiritual bag to travel with you? And how much have I been so full to overflowing on the last day, on my way back home?

I remember the last days of many things. The last day before I was married. The last day before my children were born. The last day before I moved. The last day before I left my church behind. The last day before I left the Middle East, Russia and the Soviet Union, Africa, Europe, the last days of important times. My head was so filled with reflection that I thought I might burst. But one thing rang constant; I was aware of your presence in my life. I was enabled to think back to the days, weeks, and months prior to that day, to think about the ways you had revealed yourself. Learning I was pregnant, watching my belly grow as I sang and prayed with my children in my womb. Making a decision to travel halfway around the world to a new culture, engaging that culture, learning from it, giving what you were asking of me, sharing faith. I was always incredibly full the last day.

I savor the moments of last days. Time does funny things for me on last days. I am aware of minutes and seconds on last days. My mind is taking in everything with every one of my senses. I breathe in, see, taste, touch, and hear last things.

Perhaps that's why I spend a lot of time doing what I do on last days. The last days of my mother and father, of parishioners, people I will never see again. Last moments of last days are priceless.

And so I am thinking of my friends on this, the last day of their journey. Full of memories, God sightings, wonderings and transformations, they are riding on the wave of discovery, reflection and gratitude.

Wondrous and Ever-Living God,
you fill us
with life-giving
good news.
You allow us
to wander back,
thinking of prized moments
with you
and our friends.
You show us
the way
of eternity
now and in-the-moment.
You breathe
on us
the life
of your spirit.
God,
are we full,
so full
of you.
Sweet, sweet Jesus
sing us
your song
one last time
so we can
sing along.

Loving you always, Andrea