Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Dearest God,

I am still enjoying my Christmas decor, the lights inside and out. I am waiting for my Christmas tree to enjoy the last of its water and then I will take it all down. My snow persons will remain for a while at least through the snowy season.

I drink in the joy of the seasons. They do not just come and go for me. I am intentional to enjoy each one. This winter season (where is the snow?) brings a deep part of me alive. The cold weather, the snow and ice, blowing winds and decreasing temperatures remind me of you. What a plan for four beautiful seasons in midwestern Indiana.

I focus on each one as it comes. I welcome them, giving thanks for the particular beauty each one brings. I revel in their gifts. I celebrate the first buds of spring and the first flower that blossoms. I give thanks for the warmth of summer that births flowers, fruits and vegetables. I get very excited when the first leaf begins to reveal its new colors. And then I return to winter again.

I time my life to the seasons. I am aware that I am growing older. For the most part I enjoyed the spring of my life and the summer. Right now I am positive I am in the autumn of my life. It's not so bad entering the autumn season of life. At times in my work and in my spirit I too reveal the color of my soul. I know who I am and what I am about. I struggle with certain questions but that's always been the way since I also realize life is a process.

I have always valued living intentionally. I wrote my own memorial service nearly fifteen years ago. I update it on occasion. I added hot fudge sundaes for the meal following. And why not? If I could make enough spoony fudge ahead of time, I'd do that too. I want my life to be a celebration not of me but of you. I want my life to be a celebration of God in my life. The seasons that pass teach me more about you and more about myself. I want to gain the lessons to be learned in this autumn/winter season.

Dearest God,
I write you
from my
own autumn season.
I see
so much more
than I saw
in the spring
of my life.
I was young
and not yet
quite developed.
But in the summer
I found you
in a deep,
deep way.
You spoke
to me
in a new language.
You revealed yourself
to me
in so many ways.
I found my self
in the summer season.
A whole
new world
opened to me.
I was filled
with wonder
and I learned
I could remain
that way.
And so
I have.
You taught me
to anticipate,
to be expectant
of your coming
at any moment
in any situation
I have learned
so much.
I have enjoyed
so much.
I have longed
so much.
I have tasted
so much.
Your name
was written
on every gift.
That's what
I learned
in the summertime
of my life.
But now
it is autumn.
Some of my
most cherished gifts
have come
in this season,
some I have revealed,
others I hold
in my own heart.
This morning
I just want
to say
thank you,
Great Love of Heaven.

As always, Andrea