Monday, June 22, 2009

Dearest God,

Yesterday I said goodbye to my congregation. My last Sunday. I sang all my favorite songs, hymns that express my faith in music. I preached my last message. I danced.

And today I reflected back upon my nine years. Good times and bad. Happy times and sad. But there was always one constant...your loving presence. In the good times I celebrated. In the bad and the sad I cried out for help and guidance, for grace and vision, for strength and courage. I prayed for peace. You always came to me. I was never alone.

Throughout the day I said thank you. I was aware of your mercy throughout the nine years. I recognized your compassion, acknowledged your help and gave thanks.

Reflection is the opportunity to take a larger look at what has taken place. I did not get caught up in the difficulties and hardships but rather discovered how you had been in the cracks all along. I could see the good with the difficult. I saw how you had transformed us along the way. I noticed the quiet ways you came, gently blowing your spirit wind to change hearts, renewing, remaking, restoring. Clearly this was your work. My reflection was filled with your joy.

Thank you,
God from
on high.
You are
the source
of my joy.
I lift up
my gratitude,
give thanks.
Let the work
of reflection come
as I still
my soul
and allow
my heart
to speak.
Open the doors
of my heart,
Spirit God,
and let your
loving spirit
burn within me.
Remind me,
so I may
thank you again
and again
and again.

Love, Andrea