Tuesday, August 31, 2010

My dearest God,

Two things came together this morning: a developing flower garden and Andre Agassi. Several days ago I began digging an outlined area for the first of several sanctuary gardens with my neighbor Fran. Beginning my work at first light, I have been clearing the ground. In the process I have unearthed several "treasures." A couple of marbles, a brick, a rope tied in a knot, an 8" rusted saw blade and a toy soldier made their way to the surface. What stories are hidden in these gems.

Secondly, I watched Andre Agassi on the Today show. Interviewed about his telling book entitled Open, he shared some gems of his own. Battling the demons in his past, he too has unearthed truths about his life and then used these gifts to build a new life.

What I have come to believe is nothing is ultimately lost. Whatever has been lost can be found and in the finding, something new can be created. You can take anything, anything, even the most horrible of the horrible and transform it in ways to replenish the human soul. For Andre Agassi it has come in the form of forgiveness. He hopes his book will enlighten and help others to move from past conflict to future freedom.

Both the garden and Andre Agassi point me to my husband's and my conversation at dinner last night when we discussed Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his faithful obedience to you as he sought to eradicate the evils of Nazism. He was eventually murdered; yet, his life story has challenged and inspired millions around the world. His work, his faith, his passion and zeal for truth and love have become treasures in the hands of the hungry.

I am constantly reminded to be on the lookout for spiritual treasures because you are constantly at work revealing your spirit and presence to us.

Holy Spirit,
Loving God,
Redeeming Savior,
I kneel
at your feet
considering the miracles
of human life.
You never cease
to amaze me
with glories
to be revealed.
You are God;
there is
no other.
All praise
and glory
to your name,
God on High.

Love, Andrea