Sunday, November 9, 2008

Dear God,

I saw the spirit dance in their eyes. As we sang the music of the spirit, I saw the dance of the spirit. In church no less.

There is a joy that wells up when your people get together and sense the spirit of the Living God. Even as I felt my own heart come to life, I watched your happy children come to life as well.

When your spirit captures us, when we release the tension of the week, when we let go, falling backward into your arms, a new breath comes into us. We feel at once at home, comfortable, secure, even joyous. When we allow that new breath to fill us, our eyes begin to sparkle, our bodies begin to move, our feet are not content to stand still. It is your spirit alive.

I will surely miss seeing this happen as I begin my journey toward retirement. I will miss standing up front, watching your children alive in faith. I will miss the joyous dance, watching it take hold, seeing its reality, touching and tasting that Source of all goodness. Yes, I can be part of it somewhere in another place and time although I have no idea where that will be.

Does your spirit come to life like that in all places? Does it flow in ceaseless praise? Does it come as a natural outgrowth of faith? Does it, Lord, Majesty of All Wonder? Does it?

O God, sometimes it all seems like a dream, a fantasy. But then I look again and I see it. It is real and I have a teeny, tiny part in that. My own spirit leaps, my faith alive, I know who it is we are adoring...together. And I find my heart so warm, so full, so happy.

Source of All Joy,
I dance
at your feet.
I sing
to you,
giving praise.
You are worthy,
worthy of praise.
You are
the life
within us.
You are joy
at its best.
You are hope,
hope that wrestles
the darkness
and wins.
I am full,
full of you
today, Lord
and I am glad.

Love, Andrea