Friday, November 6, 2009

My dearest God,

Life lessons, lessons learned in the intersections of life.

I have never known anyone to walk a straight path, one without turns and twists, hills and valleys, mountains and jungles. I believe the straight path is an illusion, not a reality.

When locked in indecision, paralysis or a position of stuckness, the issue is one of movement. What shall I do? I may ask. In order to remain in place, I have to resist the breath of your spirit blowing in my direction. I have to hold steady, hold tight to where I am because you are always urging me to move in some direction. This loving gesture is intended to encourage me to faith.

There is something quite wonderful about a baby taking those first steps, one, two, then a fall. As a mother and grandmother I have clapped and sung hallelujahs for the effort, the beautiful endeavor to grow and learn, to become independent, to step forward in life.

I think the steps of faith are like that. We have a natural urge to move, to dance, to take one foot and move it to another place. This adventure inspires us to wonderment and we feel an inner joy that we are not destined to live where we are forever.

The first step is the step of trust. Trust must well up within me in order to take that first step. I trust in you first, then in myself. After that first scary step, I feel hope inside and so step number two is the step of hope. I breathe again believing that life is possible and positive going forward. The glorious third step is the step of faith because I realize that the first two steps occurred because you destined them and I suddenly feel the wind at my back gently nudging me forward while an arm reaches out beside me to keep me steady. The fourth step is the step of gratitude; my voice just naturally wants to praise and give thanks. The steps following are made easier because of these four steps and the fact that you are present as a loving helpmate.

My recent life lesson has been one of taking a step.

I trust.
I hope.
I faith.
I give thanks.

Loving you always, Andrea