Sunday, October 3, 2010

My dearest God,

How does one give true thanks? How do I truly express gratitude that can begin to match the many gifts I receive?

I know I get excited to enter your house on Sunday mornings. This is your gift. I know I look forward to singing. This too is your gift. I know I love giving and receiving holy communion. Yet another gift. I know I love visiting with precious new friends who just walked into my life in the most beautiful way. One more. I know I love the hymnfest that begins the worship. Another one. I know that it is nearly impossible for me not to mention the worship on Sunday morning in my daily letters to you. After all, what can possibly give more or better than a service of praise for the God who is blessing?

I know I will see your face on Sunday mornings. An exquisite gift. I know I will experience your glorious presence. An extraordinary gift. And when I do I fill up with so much joy that I cannot contain it by myself. This infilling of joy inspires me to be thankful, to allow my heart to want to give back, to sing my best for you, to love more, and to live a grateful life. So how do I do it more fully? What do I offer that will say it most for you, my gracious Lord?

I know you bring the joy, peace and ecstasy to humanity. I know you are the author, composer, and creator of all this goodness. I would never take credit for any of it because my being is not capable of so great a gesture.

Although my husband and I sat apart in worship, with me in the choir and he in the pew, we both glanced back and forth at one another as if to say, "Is there anything more glorious than this?" When you are present, anything is likely to happen within the soul and our souls this morning engaged in so much adoration, honor, love, faith, and devotion. You gave so much. The pastor gave so much. The singers (that is, the whole church) gave so much. The air was filled with awesome blessing.

Today as I consider your blessed gifts, I just want to break out in praise!

You, O God,
are the god
of blessing.
To you,
all honor,
glory and praise
belong.
Thank you,
Gracious Redeemer,
for the sweetness
of faith.
I owe you everything,
dear God;
I owe you everything.
Teach me
the way
of rich gratitude
that truly expresses
love, appreciation
and thanksgiving
to you.
Let my
every breath
sing your praise!

Love always, Andrea