Sunday, June 19, 2011

My dearest God,

I arose from my bed at 4:45 a.m. to return home from my daughter's house in Fort Wayne. After filling my car with many items I took to prepare a graduation open house for my granddaughter, I drove onto the highway, put on my "Be Still and Know" album, and had the experience of a lifetime.

During the three hour drive home accompanied by a major traffic jam and bad storm, you visited me through a live video. From the moment the first sound penetrated the quiet, you took me on a pilgrimage of faith. You unfolded for me several years of hardship, overcoming, healing miracles, and restoration. I watched in my mind's eye the separation and coming together of many family members. I observed the various births, illnesses and tragedies of my nine grandchildren and their healings. I saw a living faith revealing its benefits and rewards. I gazed upon your amazing grace and was filled with so much love that I wept nearly all the way home.

It was during my granddaughter's graduation that the emotional trek of gratitude began. First I sat by my daughter with whom I was estranged for 13 years. I looked upon my granddaughter as she received her diploma. It was about five years ago when she dove into a family swimming pool and broke her neck. Through fast action, a skilled surgeon, and many prayers, Hilary walked across the stage healthy and whole. At the open house several family members joined together in celebration.

As I viewed grandchildren at play with favorite cousins, I remembered Rylan's premature birth, his stay in the hospital and the nurse sharing with us that he was the sickest child in the NICU. He not only lived but is doing well. I thought of Gabrielle and her bouts with histoplasmosis and the healthy birth of Stella whose mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was just six weeks pregnant. On and on the video played as I peered into your miracle work in my family's lives.

The pictures and images of your work in human living galvanized my faith as I sang to the music in praise and thanksgiving. I lifted my hands in praise (one at a time) as I sang "You are worthy, you are worthy, you are worthy." Over and over again I whispered my thanks to you.

You are an amazing God,
my redeemer,
savior, helper,
and friend.
Your miracle work
reminds me
to give thanks
again and again
and again.
Who am I
to receive
so many gifts
and blessings?
No one special,
yet that
is how
your love is.
You give
and give
and give.
Thank you,
dear God,
for blessing me
with faith;
otherwise,
I would
have missed
the morning show
of agape love.

Forever yours, Andrea