Sunday, May 10, 2009

Dear God,

Last night I went to bed so exhausted. I could not imagine being able to rise early, to finish my sermon and to preach two times. Yet, I fell to sleep with the assurance that you are the God of the Weary.

When I awakened I was tired, but not exhausted. My fear from the night before did not resurface. I felt your sustaining power.

At church I felt peace. As I looked around it was as though your angels were hemming me in. No fiery darts could get through. I went about my usual routine, readying the holy space for worship.

As I looked upon my people, the beloved, I was aware that I will only be with them a few more Sundays before retirement. I know many of their stories. I know their struggles and their triumphs. I know some of their continuing hurts. As I stood to speak, I prayed for your strength and your strength came to me. Today I sensed we climbed the mountain of faith together, weary and worn, some troubled and afraid, yet, together we got up from our mats and we began the climb.

You call
out like
a mysterious echo.
You keep calling.
Come to me,
come to me.
And we
rise up
because we want
to meet
that voice
with our faith.

You are the true beloved, Andrea