Saturday, December 18, 2010

Dear God,

I hate shopping but today I found that walking contentedly with the gifts of every day life can lead to nice surprises. I went into the fabric store to buy elastic but I got more than I bargained for. A usually grouchy clerk was pleasant and we spoke about making too many pajamas. Nice. Then I went to the bookstore and decided to give myself a treat by buying some lunch with peppermint mocha and reading a magazine. Very nice. Later I entered a women's shop and a young woman was helpful in giving me ideas for the mother of my great grandson. Very, very nice. At Target I ran into a friend and we talked and talked, laughed, teased and shared good news. I met the seven year old girl I had been praying for who had stage 4 cancer and we talked too. Being cancer free is her best thing this Christmas she told me. After that I left and walked past several stores and entered yet another store finding another friend. We hugged and caught up with each other. And lo and behold as soon as she was leaving, another came in and another hug was shared. I went to the dressing room area and we talked through the door. How fun my shopping time was and very, very, very nice.

I seem to be constantly learning new life lessons and some new old lessons. When I set myself up for an irritating time, I am irritable. But when I trust you to lead my day, to guide me throughout the day and I watch for signs of your loving presence, I am peaceful, content, expectant, and thankful. Today I tried the latter and found gifts waiting for me.

Glorious God,
why would
I fail
to trust you
on any
given day?
Why would
I want
to walk alone
predetermining the context
of my day.
Forgive me,
I pray.
Teach me
to trust you
even before
I take
my first
morning breath.
Let my
first breath
be a breath
of gratitude
and trust.

Love always, Andrea