Monday, December 14, 2009

Dear God,

I had my own short line yesterday. As I prepared to leave the church after worship, several people noticed me in the back as I helped my granddaughters put on their coats.

It's been nine years since I left this church for another appointment. I was careful to leave wanting to pave a good way for the next pastor. I stayed away long after I needed to but I wanted to be supportive and affirming of my replacement.

I returned a week ago. It was wonderful to know where I was going to worship rather than thinking on Saturday night about the next church I would visit. Last week I was inundated with hugs. This week it was the same.

What I noticed these two weeks were the eyes of those who greeted me. They gazed on me like they were seeing me for the first time. With smiles spread across their faces, loving words spoken and arms outstretched, I felt as if I were looking into the eyes of angels for light twinkled in every eye. I sensed a divine presence like being in the company of heavenly beings.

I'm still mystified the day after, wondering about the meaning of angels unaware.

Your radiance glows
among your people.
The sights
and sounds
of eternity
are all
around me.
I give thanks
for what
I do not
quite understand,
always remembering
the sacred mystery
of heaven.

Love, Andrea