Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Dear God,

I look out my window and I see the painted edges of Autumn. I breathe in the air that tells me the season is changing. I know Fall is not far behind.

Lord, I remember so well when I lived in two seasons rather than four. I missed the roll over of four distinct seasons...winter with snow and brisk cold weather, spring with new buds and leaves popping out, summer with flowers in full bloom, and autumn with the changing of colors, the trees finally revealing their hidden secrets. I was glad to return to my home state that offered all four.

As I feel the change coming in my bones, I have to wonder what this next season will bring. I wonder about the world, church, family, health, and the economy. What will happen in the next several months?

One thing I do not wonder about is faith. I know that faith will be carried into the next season. I believe that faith will be the foundation out of which I will deal with any situation that presents itself. I believe my soul carries enough faith to carry me. I do know, however, when life brings sudden events that call for a great deal of faith, I know I have to rebuild my reserves. I have to return to my Sabbath days, spend more time in silence and listening for your voice, read the scriptures about faith and trust and courage, worship more fully leaning in toward the Spirit that builds and rebuilds the life of faith. I cannot overlook my need to grow, to stretch, to work on my spiritual life resources.

And so while I observe the painted red edges of the leaves, I take my cue to remain faithful to the task of being an actively growing spirit who takes my direction from you. May I do so diligently with your help.

Never-changing God,
how I rely
on your guidance
for life.
I have
my own ideas,
to be sure,
but your ideas
are always better
than mine.
I lean
on you
knowing
my leaning
will upright me
with your power
and love.

Trusting you, Andrea