Sunday, March 8, 2009

Dear God,

I am feeling the effects of change. As I listened to you, I saw my prayer change. A name rose up twice, the name of a person I need to share with in a conversation. I have resisted such a conversation. But you brought the name to me. I know what is needed.

The church is changing. I see the effects of its change, its desire to move forward, to live out of a faith that I have watched emerge over the last few years. I am seeing its enthusiasm for the future.

My own congregation is changing. Especially have I taken great delight in the growing faith of our men. I see the meaningfulness of faith being lived out in service and mission. Our women have been on a journey for some time and I have seen their transformation. But the men, what a change has been wrought as they have given more and more of themselves to the opportunities for growth.

As my time as pastor of my congregation swiftly passes, I find myself changing too. I realize all the issues, the things, the work, the ministry, the people, the concerns I have carried for a long time are changing too. My spirit is letting go in appropriate ways. More and more I am moving back, letting others take the yoke. Not that I am not doing my job, but rather that I am stepping aside so others will take the responsibility and live into it. It is right and good.

I am listening to my heart letting go. I am listening to my spirit voice calling me forward to a new life. I am listening to the cry of my soul in the bittersweet transformation of pretty much all that is around me. I am listening, Lord, I am listening to you.

I am listening,
Lord,
I am listening
to you.
Your voice
stands out
among all
the rest.
It is Lent,
the time
to listen,
to follow,
to be obedient,
to bow down,
to listen intently
to your call.
O God,
my Maker,
make me flexible,
bend and
shape me,
Great Potter,
for the
great day
of your glory.
May Easter
find me
reshaped
for your glory.

Love, Andrea