Monday, November 17, 2008

Dear God,

As a pastor I sometimes question my effectiveness as a shepherd of your flock. When people leave the church, I always feel a prick in my soul. What have I done? I ask myself. But then I think again and realize I don't have that kind of power. It's not all about me.

Tonight my soul tripped over itself in joy. My desire, my goal, my hope and dream for your church has been to create the setting whereby your spirit could soar, reaching hearts in ways that would cause souls to trust, to learn, to hope, to dance and sing, to grow, to believe, to change, to try new adventures in faith. I have known your Spirit for so long as an active, dynamic force in the universe. I have known its guiding power, its love and forgiveness, its joy and comfort. I have also known its challenge, how it stirs, calling for change and transformation. I wanted to help shape the environment for this meeting of faith. I am wise enough to know that I only have the power to remould a setting for you. I have no power to change, to transform. That power belongs to You only, Great Change-Maker.

But tonight as we prepared the profile of the church and the skills needed for a new pastor, I heard music sweet to my ears. They were describing the church I had hoped to help build. That's when my heart joined my soul in singing your praises.

My work
is nearly done,
Great Love of My Life,
my call
to ministry
finally made clear.
Your beloved community
of faith
has learned
to trust more,
to love more,
to sing and dance more.

I sing my song for you only, Andrea