Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dear God,

As I jogged on the treadmill listening to songs like Standing on the Promises, Because He Lives and Precious Memories, my eyes fixed on the Circle of Friends standing atop the bookcase. Seven clay figures from Peru with their arms around each other in a circle was a gift from retreatants several years ago.

Memories flooded my soul as you brought to mind the countless number of circles where I have been included. As the first child of my parents I was born into a circle of family, my mother and father, uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents. Later I was drawn into circles of friends, neighbors and siblings. Throughout my life I was invited into circles of girlfriends, colleagues, covenant group, study groups, retreatants, travel groups, worship circles, learning groups, meditation groups, congregations, families and more and more family and friends.

"Precious Memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul...," the fiddler fiddled as I sang and walked. Precious memories, indeed, thoughts, images, words, and experiences came to my mind as I reflected upon the many gifts that circles provided: welcome, acceptance, inclusion, connection, respect, friendship, and love to some degree or another. It felt good to be part of circles because they were fertile ground for faith, hope, grace, growth, challenge, discipline, accountability, and so much more.

But the most valuable circle I have been entreated to join was the circle of your friends, fellow pilgrims, seekers, those persons desiring a closer walk with JOY, the greatest divine Source of all that is. To be included in your friendship circle has meant more to me than any other relationship I have ever shared. My heart welled up with gratitude as I continued my walk in your light.

Great Spirit of the Living God,
today you filled
my mind,
heart and soul
with glorious memories
of prized circles
where I've been
invited in.
I thank you
from the bottom
of my heart.

Love, Andrea