Thursday, September 10, 2009

My dearest God,

I just began reading cards and letters given to me at my retirement. I received the box a couple days ago. A summary of my life's work.

When people talk about changes in their lives, transformations, landmark moments, events of salvation, I am so touched. At the same time you and I know I did not convert anyone. I have no power to change a human heart, really not even a human mind. What you have given me is a heart full of you and I have shared it in a variety of different ways. Something we said, you and I, inspired another. Something we did, you and I, persuaded a human soul. Something we prayed, you and I, convinced a person to change their heart and mind. You alone are the Source of inspiration, conversion and transformation.

I must confess I was warmed by their loving words. I shed some tears remembering challenging moments that became an occasion for hope. I recalled the most difficult moments in ministry and how you reshaped situations bringing faith to the table. I reflected upon the making of love in hardened hearts. You brought to mind your miracle making ingredients and how miracles unfolded in our midst. You whispered to me about grace at work.

All these gestures of love are yet another sign of your presence in the world. Had I not had these opportunities with your children, there would be no cards, letters and notes. What I realized as I read them was how each one was a written letter of faith, a proclamation of the ways in which you have touched human lives with your divine goodness. I was simply the beneficiary of the written word.

How good
you are,
God, Most Loving,
God on High.
You do not
leave us alone
in our
puddles of
self pity,
our endless sorrow,
our hurts
and disappointments,
even the
oppression and injustices
that come
our way.
You sit
in the
murky waters
with us.
Our tears
blend together
as you
ask us
to tell you
all about it.
And when
there is
no more
to say,
you pause
and then
we feel
a gentle splash
rising up.
Surprised,
we shake
it off
only to discover
your playfulness.
Before long
we are covered
in living water,
laughing, smiling
together.
A water fight
with eternal dimensions.

Loving you always, Andrea