Monday, November 10, 2008

Dearest God,

What a serendipity! I did not know when my friend and I went to eat at a local restaurant that we would run into friends who left our church some time ago. Not because they didn't like us but because of the crisis in their own lives. We all have them; some last longer than others.

We hugged and hugged. We shared an update on what had been happening in our lives. They're coming back, coming home. A reunion will take place. We laughed and laughed. And then other members came in. I hugged them too. Half a dozen of us church friends stood at the doorway greeting one another with faith, joy and hope.

Moments like these give me a new perspective. Loss does not have to be loss forever. And whenever I feel somewhat disconnected or too tired to connect, you enter and I feel your presence. You sing to me the song of delight.

On days when I feel overwhelmed with so much, you bring me a special joy. And the greatest joy for me is being conscious where the joy came from. I can offer you praise, rejoice in the joy I feel, breathe in a new kind of hope.

You are
the essence
of joy,
the oil
of gladness
in my heart.
I can smile
because you
are smiling
through me.
I look
in the mirror.
I see
your eyes
looking back.
Filled
with joy.

Loving you always, Andrea