Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Dear God,

This morning I will complete the refinishing of my daughter's kitchen table. I will sand it one last time and give it the third coat of polyurethane. I didn't hold out a lot of hope for that piece of furniture. The table was very dry, lustre-less, with too numerous to count scratches, scrapes and mars. I wasn't sure I could do much for it; however, I believe it will be quite lovely when it is finished.

I love the work of transformation. I love to be part of change, bringing out the beauty of something once perceived to be ugly, worthless and useless. I love to walk beside you, taking cues from you about the work we need to do. You alone are the Transformer; from time to time you allow me to join you in the endeavor.

Refinishing the table brought to mind the ways you refinish your people. God knows I have needed plenty of refinishing, renewal, and renovation. I think it was the sanding that was the most painful, feeling the rubbing effort to take off the many unncessary coats of lacquer that covered my heart. Change rarely feels good while it is taking place but generally is always good when it happens, especially when you, the Great Changer lead the effort.

Thank you for the table work as a reminder of your transforming power.

Transform me
at your will,
Precious Redeemer;
test the veracity
of my faith.
Rework me,
rearrange my parts
to do
your will,
I pray.

Love, Andrea