Thursday, December 11, 2008

Dear God,

I've been planning for an Open House for several weeks. Knowing that my house will be full of people in my parish gives me joy.

Each morning for four days I will go to the store about 5:30 a.m. Not many people there during that time. I will consider it a pilgrimage to pick up items that I will use to make an array of delectable goodies for my flock. So far it has been a meaningful journey. Going out in the cold, dark morning watching the moon do beautiful things at that hour, driving to the store passing our old church that has a light in the tower lifting my eyes toward heaven, pulling into the parking lot and walking into WalMart through the aisles is a journey of love.

What I have found especially meaningful on this sacred trek is watching what happens at WalMart during that time. All the stock boys and girls (really men and women) are restocking the shelves. Boxes filled with groceries litter the aisles. Maintenance engineers are sweeping and cleaning. The whole store goes through a transformation making ready for another day. Within a couple of hours when normal shoppers find their way to the store, they will never be aware of what was done to make their experience a meaningful one.

I smile when I leave the store, trying to always remember to give a final greeting to the greeter as I walk out. On the way home I think about my experience and I realize I have the privilege of watching the behind-the-scenes work. So often I forget what happens behind the scenes in life. I am not always as grateful as I should be for all the work that is done by good people.

And of course, that brought me to you. While I am busy, while I am sleeping, while I am doing other things you are at work providing. More often than not, I miss it. I fail to say thank you. I forget. But not today, today I am grateful.

You are
the greatest source
of joy
in my life.
Behind the scenes
you are whispering,
cajoling,
guiding,
helping,
holding,
loving.
When I become aware,
I am overwhelmed
by your goodness.
Today I am aware.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea