Sunday, January 3, 2010

My dearest God,

I sat in the third pew looking up at the bright, shining star from the east as we sang the familiar song, We Three Kings. As I blended my voice with all the others, I wondered what star, what light I would follow in this new year. And then you brought to mind the many points of light that shined in my darkness this last year. I recommited myself to follow your light.

That occasion brought me to think of events in the past, both good and bad. I had a real gut reaction. Those moments that had caused me pain in the last several months struck me down with pain again. Swiftly you came to me reminding me that we can only look back at the past, not return there. As long as I just looked, I was okay. In both situations, good or bad, I was able to give thanks because you were with me every time.

Not only did you speak to me of the past, you pointed me to the future. You whispered that life is always lived in the present and future, not in the former days. The past is history penned in permanent ink. It cannot be changed for any reason. However, today and all the tomorrows are pregnant with possibilities filled with hope and the promise of your grace-filled presence.

How many ways
can I
give thanks
to you,
my loving God?
The constancy
of your presence
loving, guiding
and gracing me
is the
greatest gift
I have
ever received.
Teach me
how to
love back
by loving others,
dear God.
Teach me most
about gratitude,
living a life
of thanksgiving,
I pray.

Love, Andrea