Saturday, October 11, 2008

Dear God,

I sat in the circle talking about the need to make a decision. I urged the group to take a stand, to move forward, to be courageous. I spoke candidly about the need to trust God to help us make the right decision. I believe the best minds were present to do the job.

Although I was tired from last night's great event, I knew how important this meeting was. I knew I had to bring with me my best wisdom. But I also knew I had to come to you before I went to them. I knew my wisdom had to be yours.

One of my learnings from you has been that leadership is best when we know we need to begin at your feet. It is not about sharing everything about leading but rather knowing where to begin and who to begin with, then taking the steps necessary to fulfill your will.

As we talked I saw the hesitation, the reluctance, the fear. I heard it in their voices and saw it on their faces. But I also know this is the only group who can take the step of faith for the congregation. I know it like I know my own heart beat. They are the ones, hand selected while I sat at your feet.

Although I am facing a deep weariness and know that I will soon step down from my appointed position, I still love the church and want your will to be fulfilled for her. I know her promise, her possibilities and I believe her greatest days of service are yet to unfold. I believe there is ahead a great coming together to march to the spirit's tune.

I know my own call is to shepherd, to lead with a gentle persuasion, to show the possibilities for the future both good and bad depending on decisions made, and to give hope. And I love giving hope to the hopeless, to the despairing because I believe hope originates in you.

Hope-filled God,
how good
it is
to be
in your presence,
to feel
the leading
of your spirit.
Lead us,
O Lord,
lead us
to your will,
to your promised land.
May we be attentive
to your voice,
to your guidance,
I pray.

Love, Andrea