Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Dear God,

I heard you whisper stories of redemption, reconciliation, hope, faith, and love. The simple act of addressing Christmas cards triggered memories of your touch in the lives of family and friends. As I raced across time witnessing your goodness, I found myself seated at the center of my own faith.

That's why this Christmas I am most grateful for faith, faith that galvanizes, sets straight, cleanses, enjoins, and embraces. As I peeked inside the lives of loved ones, I remembered some of their deep struggles and how they overcame them with faith. I recalled their climb from despair to hope to joy all because they acted upon faith and trusted in the possibility of change and transformation.

As I listened to the sounds of Christmas while I wrote, I allowed your spirit to infuse me with faith that speaks volumes at this time of year. I realized that the nonsensical shopping from store to store to get just the right thing is not where it's at at all. The hope of the ages lies in the breath I breathe by faith.

Everlasting God,
to whom
all glory
is due,
receive the gratitude
I hold
in my heart
for all those
you have touched
with faith.
Today family and friends
whose lives
have been altered
by your
life-saving grace
and generous love
became a testimony
of faith.
Thank you
for the gifts
that truly
keep on giving.

Love always, Andrea