Saturday, January 8, 2011

Dear God,

I am amazed at how the human soul is able to rise from its ashes and walk again. With perceived assaults from many directions, the soul runs for cover, seeking shelter from the brewing storms. There it is easy to hunker down, to pull the top in closer and to feed on self protection. The trouble is the hole grows smaller, darker and more cramped. While it may feel cozy, warm and safe, in time the soul will wither, trusting itself only and limiting its ability to rise and sing and dance in freedom.

This truth came to me in the last several months as you gave me a vision and helped me step by step climb out into the light, stretch, expand my lungs and legs, breathe again and begin the process of revival and restoration in my limbs. As I trusted you more and more, I began to feel a rattlin' in my bones even down to the marrow. All the while you sang to me heaven's song of compassion, hope, courage, strength, peace and joy.

Two years ago I had to cancel a retreat I was about to lead. I was too sick of body, mind, heart, and spirit, exhausted, worn from all the responsibilities and demands and lack of love and human support. I was despairing, broken and sorrowing but desperately I tried to function, to do what I was called to do on every level of my life. My soul retreated to safety where I holed up for a considerable amount of time. I got comfortable in my close quarters. Although you stayed with me, you constantly whispered my need to rise again, to breathe the air of your spirit, to stand strong in faith, to triumph over my pain, to take your hand and to live again.

With your love and by your grace, you lifted me out of my ashes and showed me the everlasting beauty of trust and faith. Together you and I forged ahead and the journey has been breathtaking, spectacular, glorious and filled to overflowing joy.

I can take
no credit
for the
wondrous adventure
you and I
have taken
except for
my willingness
to say yes
to you.
You have been
the power
that revived
my soul,
restored my faith,
and renewed
my life.
As I
daily sing
and dance
with you,
I sing
the song
of heaven
giving thanks
again and again
and again.

Love always, Andrea