Friday, March 16, 2012

Dear God,

In our covenant group your spirit directed us as we talked about the beliefs we hold, how they form attitudes, and then lead us to certain actions.  As I shared about a particular action in my own life, my colleague returned me to a childhood belief.  When he commented on my belief, he simply made the observation that my head seemed to be leading me to you but my heart was taking me away from you.  That stopped me dead in my tracks.  Your gentle guidance had challenged me, given me insight, and revealed how my old belief was holding me back from living fully in your will.

I realize when you reveal new truths to us and we accept them as our own, you hold us responsible for our attitudes and actions.  Because I want to live a full life with you, living and breathing your spirit, I need to change myself making my beliefs, attitudes, and actions all part of a devoted life of faith, hope, courage, and witness.

Right there in the spiritual direction room at the Benedictine Monastery, I altered my belief, took on a revived attitude, and made a commitment to an action that will help bring a level of healing to my mind and body.  When I came home, I moved forward and completed the action I promised you.  I repeated it yesterday.

On Wednesday I learned a valuable lesson.  If I want a whole, happy, and healthy life, then on occasion I need to make a mental inventory of my beliefs and how they lead me to a meaningful life or a less than meaningful one.  I need to assess my attitudes and actions to check on their value in my life.  If a belief keeps me from doing what I need to do in order to be healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically, then I need to  make changes that enable me to live as I desire in your light and by your grace.

Thank you
for the movement
of your spirit
revealing the truth
that sets us free.
Thank you
for your challenge,
patience, and nudge.
Thank you
for the joy
I experience
when I
move swiftly
to do
your will.
I realize
it can
be painless
when I
trust you
to lead me
to wholeness,
your perfect will
for my life.

Love, Andrea