Sunday, February 13, 2011

My dearest God,

It's been years since I last saw Mary who now lives in Minnesota. We were so happy to run into one another at church. We just hugged and hugged.

Because I had just seen her daughter a few weeks earlier, she was updated on the goings on in my life as I was hers so we stood in the hall and celebrated each other's lives. What a picture of heavenly joy we were as we talked about your miracle work and our own faith.

At a time when I couldn't imagine anyone really cared, I have learned since that many people were praying for my family. "I prayed so many prayers for you and Harold." Mary told me. We hugged again as I gave her the Reader's Digest version of the vision you gave me. "Mary, because you were one of those who prayed, I saw your prayers as light in my vision. You are part of the miracle that Harold and I experienced." We hugged one last time as I had to get seated in the choir. She thanked and thanked me for sharing and for telling her she was an important participant in the unfolding miracle in our lives.

What a beautiful time we had together sharing your grace. It wasn't that many years ago when we were heartily praying for Mary and her family. She too discovered your miraculous inspiration and overcame a dramatic problem herself.

I believe our time of sharing is exactly what you want from your people. I believe we are not meant to hoard our good times, our faith experiences, our growth, struggles and challenges. I believe we are to say a good word for your loving gestures in human living. And what comes from it? So much joy, warmth, hope, peace, faith and a desire to keep on sharing your good news!

Truly you
are the God
of faith,
of love,
hope, joy,
and peace.
There is
no one
like you,
Eternal God.
Thank you
for drawing
people together
to share
in one
anothers' lives.
Thank you
for making us
a community
that cares.
Continue to
teach us
your ways,
O Lord,
so we
may participate
in adding
to each
other's joy.

Love, Andrea