Monday, December 15, 2008

Dearest God,

I arose at 4:30 a.m. to clean up following my open house. I turned on the Christmas lights and smiled, remembering all the joy that had filled my home.

As I picked up used Frosty styrofoam cups empty of their Spiced Cherry Apple Cider, I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. These were my friends, my colleagues, my family members, how much I had enjoyed feeding them, entertaining them in my home, laughing with them, hugging each one as they arrived and/or departed.

I am so grateful for this wonderful season where we have a beautiful reason to gather. I am blessed to be surrounded by people whose love for God is real like my own.

As I cleaned up, washed the dishes and put away the leavings of candy, cookies and bread, I was drawn to you who said I am the light of the world. Your light shined in my home because you were in each person. Your light shined because people enjoyed one another. Your light shined because joy was felt. Your light shined because people were able to put aside their wrestlings, their worries of health, finance and relationships as well as their concerns for the world. Your light shined because love was present. Your light shined because you wanted it to.

Light of the World,
thank you
for light
that shines divinely.
Thank you
for light
that shines
upon children
hungry for
the light.
Thank you
for light
that is eternal,
a light
that never
goes out.

Love, Andrea