Friday, May 13, 2011

Dear God,

I spent a portion of the day working on the side yard where leaves had accumulated and remained all winter long. I was thrilled to find every Lily of the Valley plant growing, rising up from its resting place, and getting ready to bloom. These tiny precious white blooms are fragrant, sweet, and remind me of the flowers that used to bloom every spring at our home in Elwood, Indiana. Thank you so much.

As I raked the leaves, I realized that my work last spring to grow grass failed because the leaves were dark and heavy preventing the son to shine through giving the small blades an opportunity to grow where they were planted. That made me think about the light and how important it is for warmth, growth, and life.

How many times, O Lord, did I allow debris to collect in my soul robbing me of the chance to grow? How many times did I fail to clean up my clutter? How many times did darkness overtake me squeezing out your light? Too many times. I am sure you remember every time.

At the same time I remember trusting you to carry me through dark times by clinging to the light. In those places faith flowered and grew not only sustaining me through a season of difficulty but also causing me to grow and thrive. Beauty came out of those moments because that's what happens when trust and faith hold hands in prayer and work.

You alone
have power
to grow faith
and trust.
You are
the sole source
of eternity's love.
You shine
your light
upon us
giving us
our own power
to move forward,
to make changes,
to be transformed.
You bring artistry
and loveliness
when we allow
your light
a place
to shine.
Teach us,
O Lord,
to trust
again and again
and again.

Love, Andrea