Friday, May 20, 2011

Dearest God,

I saw her face for the first time since I returned to Maine. The look of devotion, humility, and love, St. Terese is still the model of faith for me. I see in her eyes the look of generosity, a longing for Christ, and a commitment to faith which for her is love for Christ.

I am grateful to you, O God, for the living models of faith, those people I see who are living a meaningful life with you. When my eye catches a glimpse, I am reminded that I too am to be like them. I am to be a pilgrim searcher, one who longs for Christ, who lives in his shadow, and serves with love, patience, and obedience. I cannot be around them without being challenged to rise up, to remember the great sacrifice made for my life, and to make a difference in the world carrying Christ with me everywhere I go.

I think of Aldith who prays constantly, for Jean who serves others daily, for Robbie, true to his call to ministry. I think of Heather who is courageous, for Caroline who sings your praise, for Edith, a faithful witness, for Patrice who desires to work for you, and for Linda and Larry, so giving, just to name a few. They are, each one, a follower of your son and in their quiet ways without frill and attention go about their living taking their lead from you.

Tender and Loving God,
thank you
for the saints
who live
for you,
who touch
and inspire lives
around them,
some even
hundreds of years later.
Thank you
for their faith,
their love,
their purpose
and mission
on earth
and in heaven.
I am
so grateful.

Love, Andrea