Tuesday, September 1, 2009

My dearest God,

I'm cleaning my home, my garden, my closets. What I would have done in the spring, I am doing this fall. Perhaps this exercise is helping me clean out my own life. I am doing a spiritual cleaning at the same time as the physical cleaning of my surroundings.

I am aware, dear God, of the need to keep my own vessel clean and tidy. Your spirit reminds me of the daily disciplines of prayer, meditation, and silence and I add to these hope, faith and love. While I fail to some degree every day, I do want to practice those disciplines that keep my heart and mind on you.

As I do my shopping for food and other necessities, I think of you. And as I think of you, I think of others remembering your call to love one another. As my mind frequently reflects on the things of heaven, I naturally share my love with you by loving those around me. And so I show kindness in the store. I thank those employees who clean the restrooms because I want to exhibit love and respect. Recalling your goodness to me helps me focus on my need to display goodness to others.

You are always reminding me how simple tasks of daily living just naturally bring you to mind. And when you come to mind, I realize that it is not my goal in life to possess you but to share you and your ways with others. I am not always very good at that but you have put a desire in my heart to be faithful. Help me, I pray.

Most Gracious God,
my soul longs
for you.
I desire
to be all
you have
called me
to be.
Sometimes I
fail miserably.
I turn away
following my
own stubborn will.
Yet,
simple tasks
call you
to mind
and I realize
my desire
for you
is great.
It will not
leave me.
Continue to
teach me,
Loving God,
through simple tasks
and simple calls,
I pray.

Love, Andrea