Monday, September 19, 2011

Dear God,

How is it possible that a church steeple and a town meeting hall could speak so powerfully to me? I had agreed to visit a nearly deaf, elderly, faith-filled church member to pray prayers over her great grandchildren. This great grandmother asked our pastor to pray with the two year old and nine month old boys but she had to officiate at a memorial service so she asked me. I stopped in the cafe across the street from our church. As I drank my coffee and typed my letter to you, I saw the white facades of the church and hall rising up, meeting the cloudless blue sky and I was inspired.

It was less than 24 hours earlier when I experienced a glorious day with our church family. But I think it was more than that. They were symbols of something so much more. Obviously the steeple was a powerful image of faith but so was the hall because it was built for community gatherings, people coming together as one.

As I consider the countless many symbols around me, I realize the role they play in helping strengthen my faith. When I see an object of beauty in nature, I am drawn to you giving thanks for creation. When I see two people reveling together, so much in love, I express my gratitude to you for designing relationships that feed people. When I hear about a technological advance in medicine or science, I go to you with my appreciation. Almost anything can point me to you, thanks!

Loving God,
full of surprises
and blessings,
thank you
for symbols
that speak
of you.
May I always
find my way
to you.

Love, Andrea