Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Dear God,

The menacing dark clouds hung low as I pulled out of the parking lot. Looked like they could turn angry at any moment. Was scary.

Such ominous clouds can sometimes collect around me. Attitudes, hurts and disappointments turn a blue sky into a dark one. In those moments my emotions run low, my spirit can take a nosedive, my heart can begin to sink. I can't see the blue beyond the black.

But then the unexpected will happen. Something deep inside me, a familiar voice will whisper. "Remember, I see the clouds too but I know what is behind them. I know the blue is there because I put it there. And there are plenty of white fluffy clouds painted on the blue. I know because I rolled them out. And the sun is shining because I..."

I am reminded that when storms rage, peace is still available. I may not be able to see it or feel it. But peace is possible even then. When something rolls over me in one of those dark times, I know who it is because you have an interest in my life just as you do each child. You bring peace so I can ride out the storm knowing I am not alone.

O God,
you do not disappear
when hard times come.
Instead
you show up
in surprising ways,
bringing with you
gifts of your spirit:
peace,
hope,
comfort,
mercy,
and compassion.
Your love
ushers all these
to me.
On dark days
remind me
to take stock
in all
you do,
in all
you provide.
Your light
still shines
in the darkness,
even when
I cannot
see it.

Always grateful, Andrea