Monday, May 30, 2011

Dear God,

The bluebirds have returned to our neighbor's birdhouse. Delight showed on Fran's face as she carried her vegetables to be planted in the community garden. At that moment the bird lifted her song.

I used to think that what was lost was lost forever. Sometimes it is. However, recently I have watched the lost be found, the forgotten remembered, and those gone returned. Each time I have been pleasantly surprised and hopelessly happy.

I have come to the realization that sometimes my expectations and anticipation are too low. But joy is the surprise that comes when I discover something beyond my expectation. Like the bluebird's return that brought happiness to my friend, when hope comes back after a long stint of being gone, joy erupts within me because I remember once again that you are the source of the return. I too get the privilege of singing your song.

Giver of Many Gifts,
I offer you
my gratitude
for the found
and the lost.
In each case
you invite me
to return
in praise
and thanksgiving,
for help
and comfort,
for trust
and hope.
My love
will always
be yours.

Love, Andrea