Wednesday, October 27, 2010

My dearest God,

The ride to the monastery on Wednesdays is always a marvelous ride. Every trek to the holy ground scratches my itch for a deeper relationship with you.

This morning was truly glorious. I was on the stretch of I 74 where driving east there is a small incline in the road. As the fiery sun arrayed in pink, orange and yellow came up over the horizon, it was perfectly centered over the incline. Unable to see the other side of the incline, it appeared that the road ended in the extraordinary light. It was so bright that I was nearly blinded by it. I could hardly see the road; yet it was breathtaking. Later when the road winded around, the sun was on the right in my peripheral view. I could see again.

The experience tripped my memory bank taking me on a trip to moments in my life when difficulties caused hazy conditions in my mind. I could barely see my way. But then you came as a blinding light, a light so beautiful, so spectacular, you drew me to it guiding me, encouraging me, loving me, tarrying with me for a time so that when the turns and twists came, I was able to see clearly once again. I knew the direction I was to take. I turned and steered myself in that direction.

Minutes later with the radiant sun and memories still fresh in my mind, my covenant group colleague and I entered into silence in the tiny room in the corner on the second floor of the monastery. Your spirit spoke as we listened. As our infamous question was asked, "And where do you see Christ right now?", it became clear to me that my spiritual friend and I had entered the same space. She began to share and it was evident that she had climbed aboard an angel's wings and had soared toward the light. During the next two hours I watched a former caterpillar exit from her cocoon. As she gently shook her own wings getting her new bearings, she circled round your light, letting go of the former trappings that had held her captive, life experiences that had held her back from her full potential. She began to connect dots, draw conclusions allowing the revelations and insights to drive her toward resolution. As a person in the light, she surrendered long-held burdens, old habits, needs and ideas. As she soared higher and higher I watched my friend let go allowing the breath of your spirit to be the power under her wings. I observed her making decisions and commitments that were transforming her. I watched her body, mind and spirit take shape in a new form, her colors bright and resplendent. I saw her smile, her body more relaxed and open than ever before. I sensed that she was lighter, happier, more at peace with herself and with you, Great Change Making God. As I told her what I saw as she shared, we both smiled knowing that the light that transforms also brings incredible joy.

How good
you are,
God of So Much Grace;
when we
least expect it,
you sweep
into our lives
making our moments
incredible, glorious
and full
of joy.
Today as
I write,
how I wish
I had
more words
to say,
more gestures
to make,
more love
to share
with you.
For you are God,
the god
of goodness,
mercy and compassion,
the god
whose love
changes everything.
I give you
all of me,
dear God,
my love,
my adoration,
my worship,
and my devotion.

Love, Andrea