Monday, March 21, 2011

Dear God,

Six of us gathered at the local restaurant to celebrate my granddaughter's 10th birthday. We ordered our food and then waited a long time to be served. When the younger granddaughter of six became restless, she walked around the table and climbed up on my lap. She put her arms around my neck and placed her head on my chest. Saying nothing she justed rested in my arms. When the food finally came, she stepped down and returned to her seat.

That incident reminded me of times when I have done the same thing with you. There have been moments in my life when I too became restless. When I have been perplexed, bewildered, doubtful or fearful, I sought you out. In the same kind of way you made space for me to come to you. You opened your arms allowing me to lean on you. You allowed me to stay as long as I needed. You made me feel welcome until I found my answer, my hope, my peace, my refuge. When I was satisfied, I returned afresh to my situation.

There are so many things I could say about you, Lord, descriptive adjectives anyone could offer to describe you. But the one characteristic that stands out above all the rest is your openness to every person on the planet. You are open to any and all who desire time and space with you. You are welcoming, making each person feel at home and wanted.

O God,
Giver of All Good,
thank you
for your
lavish love.
Thank you
for your openness,
and your willingness
to hold us
at any moment,
in any situation.
Thank you
for thinking
of us,
giving us space,
time and attention.
Thank you
for loving us
just like
little children
because I suppose
that's what
we are
to you.

Love, Andrea