Saturday, January 14, 2012

Dear God,

Tonight who could deny the movement of your living presence in the living room of my home?  After grazing on luscious snack foods at my epiphany party, with Christmas tree and mantle lights glowing, a fire burning in the fireplace, Christmas music playing, and candles giving off their mistletoe scent, seventeen women sat together as we shared what inspired us to keep seeking Christ in our lives.  Nature, hope, a new baby, and gratitude for answered prayer and faith alive at work and in friendships lead us to share even more deeply the meaning of returning daily to the manger of our faith in God.  We leaned toward one another as we listened carefully to the meaningful gifts we received during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.  And what joy we felt as we offered to share the gift we wanted to carry to the manger all year long.

Such moments remind me how precious the journey of faith is and how gifted we are when we share it in common pilgrimage together.  As I reflect upon the blessing of past retreats with these women, I celebrate the glory of your love, grace, and work in our lives.  I believe you have reshaped us, refashioned us, and redesigned us for your work in the world.  As we give ourselves more and more to you, the more beautiful is the road we walk, the scent of forgiveness always in the air, and love multiplies exponentially.

Good and Gracious God,
you are joy
bubbling up
and over.
Your goodness
is constantly
being revealed
and we
give thanks
today and always.

Love, Andrea