Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Dearest God,

Tonight as we sang Just As I Am in the worship service, I traveled back in time to 1969 when I knelt on the cold, hard, black tile floor in the living room of my first home as George Beverly Shea and the Crusade Singers sang the same song.  I was so moved by Rev. Billy Graham's message that I bent down, touched the old television set and gave my life to Christ for the first time.  At that moment I realized I wanted nothing more than an abiding relationship with the Creator of the universe.  I wept, singing, sad that I had waited so long (22 years) and so happy that I had many more years in front of me.  I could not have imagined then what my life would be like today some 43 years later.

I believe there are those times in life when we are vulnerable to your spirit, when it just makes sense to surrender a life without you for a life with you.  Those moments are etched upon the human soul and can be brought up at any time, allowing the majesty of the moment to reenter our space so it is possible once again to celebrate and give thanks. 

I am sure there were times, O Lord, when you must have wondered if I would truly hold steady to my commitment to you.  I am confident that sometimes you wanted to turn me around and steer me in another direction when I was clearly going the wrong way.  I am positive that you never waivered in your commitment to me while I acted as if I had forgotten my commitment to you.  As I stand 43 years blessed, my heart is glad and my soul is full of joy.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for never
giving up
on me.
Thank you
for holding me tight
and never
letting me go.
Your grace
has truly
been sufficient
for my
every need.
Lead me,
Loving Savior,
down every path
that takes me
to you.

Love always, Andrea