Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Dear God,

You have been at work rewriting scripts for many lives. There are those around me and even myself whose lives have been changed in recent weeks and months. Attitudes, beliefs, ways of being, and normal routines are being altered, allowing for a newness of life. Just when I thought the world was a certain way, a shift took place renewing itself.

Recently I have been watching human transformation. It is not only possible; it is embraceable. Like wandering through a grocery store selecting unique food items, you have made a changeable human spirit with the same ability to make different choices. You have placed within us the ability to modify the way we are. Although we often resist change because we think it is too hard, when looked at through eyes of faith, anything is feasible. Choosing this rather than that can be a spirit-filled adventure.

Why do we look at change as the most difficult activity in life? Why do we harden our hearts, complain and pour concrete into where we stand? I don't think we realize that we limit ourselves when we elect to remain the same. Our options become smaller and smaller until we fit into tiny, wee boxes. With little air and space, we place ourselves in perilous situations.

You have taught me to trust you during changing times. You have required me to travel lightly with very few items in my backpack. You have disclosed the need for me to move at any time when you call. If I am reluctant to leave my current living place, I miss abundant opportunities to sojourn with you.


One of the most valuable life lessons I learned again this past year was the key role of surrender in human living. When I chose to hang on to my disappointment and hurt, I continued to be in pain. When I chose to transform myself by your spirit, I let go in order to exchange my woundedness for your wholeness.

During the course of my long, intense painful journey you challenged me to let go of precious items in my life. First, it was my possessions. You exposed my attachment to all the trappings of a cozy lifestyle. You disclosed my inability to move quickly because I couldn't release what made me feel at home. Second, it was my fear. My fears ran rampant. I was afraid to trust. Third, it was my will. As long as I remained coiled to my own authoritative way, I was blind to other options that could lead me to healing. When finally I took your outstretched hand, allowing you to unshackle me from all these obstacles, I began the liberating pilgrimage of faith, radical transformation and joy.

Eternal God,
your power comes
from a
deep, deep well
of unconditional love.
Otherwise,
why would
you bother?
Why would
you remain
by our side?
Why would
you put up
with our
self-centered,
self-indulgent,
self-destructive behavior?
You offer
your healing,
transforming power
to all
of us,
each one
of your children.
You relieve us
of all
our unhealthy encumbrances,
replacing them
with you.
How full
is my
thankful heart!

Love, Andrea