Saturday, August 21, 2010

My dearest God,

Yesterday my neighbor and I spent time figuring and configuring our common flower garden we plan to create between our yards. We played with hoses laying out possible designs. When we were done we decided to make our area 8' wide at the front to 14' wide at the back and 38' long. We want to work together beginning a possible three year journey to build a sanctuary, a spiritual garden which will include a field, woods, two different tree lines along old fence rows and expansive yard space possibly measuring three or four acres.

We want to give shape to an oasis of hope and peace. We would love to place two very small spiritual houses, just big enough for one in the woods, one that would face the river and the other the field for a grand view of nightly sunsets. Persons seeking refuge from life's storms would be allowed to come and retreat for a night, two or three, living in silence. The furnishings would include a day bed with handmade quilts, a small stand with a pitcher and bowl, a modest chair and table with a lantern. We would daily carry out simple meals and water.

I believe our vision of heaven on earth would give such a lift to our community and to our lives. It is just a dream, an image of possibility as we give shape, not life since it is already present, to our common areas.

To spiritually imagine
with a friend
is a
beautiful gift.
What grace
it is
to live by
a neighbor
who seeks
the things
of heaven
in her
family home
of more
than 60 years.
It is you,
O God,
who gives direction
to our lives.
I give thanks.

Love, Andrea