Sunday, March 18, 2012

Dear God,

On my way up north the budding trees spoke to me of change.  If they had chosen not to develop, to wither and die instead, they would not be able to display their glorious colors.  But they did grow and my eyes feasted on their spring-time beauty.

The two-hour drive reminded me about the need to change, to be transformed, to move from one condition to another.  You have shown me how important change is.  You have called me to change many times.  Often I was resistant, stubborn, and downright ugly about it.  I whined, cried, and pleaded to remain the same, wanting others to change instead.  But you were firm, knowing the future better than I.  You knew what it would mean for me to let go and be created anew.

As I consider my present situation, I realize I am more joy-filled than ever before.  I have never been happier or more content.  Every day I awaken with gratitude on my lips, my voice singing your praise.  And why is my life this way?  You know so well I had to change or die.  Pretty radical, I know, but I could not remain in the space I resided.  My life, my health, and my well being were all in jeopardy.  I was desperate.

Like the trees I was convinced to change, to allow your powerful, loving spirit to change me.  I let you take charge, listening carefully to your words, feeling your gentle guidance, and sensing your wondrous affirmation as I took one step after another into my new world.  Every day I felt more at peace, more at one with you and those around me.  As I let go of certain beliefs and attitudes and allowed you to rearrange my thinking, to go more deeply into my own spirit, and to try new ways of being, I found my own will aligning itself with yours.  I liked that, no, I loved that.  I began to crave the newness of life, feeling like I was in the springtime of my life rather than in the winter.  I saw what I could not see before.  I heard what I could not hear before.  I really did become a new person.

As I listened to the voice of spring, I realized I was really listening to you.

Generous God,
how grateful
I am
to hear
your voice,
to learn
of your will,
and to
know your kindness.
I love
the fluidity
of life,
being able
to bend
and move
with your spirit.
No longer
do I
hold onto
resentment and bitterness.
They died
like those
who choose
not to live.
May I live
every day
giving thanks
to you
for your
new creation
in me.

Love always, Andrea