Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dear God,

This afternoon I returned to my old friend, a man of vision, spirit, and wisdom.  A free thinker, bright, and global, I remembered back to a special Lent many years ago. I was a pastor and he was a musician, an organist.  We had decided we wanted to do something dramatically different for those days leading up to the remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection.

Working for the church we brainstormed ideas.  We prayed.  We considered the setting and how we could convey a living spirit during the dark days.  We decided to create an evening of improv.  I would write words, phrases to be used for a musical improvisation.  He would play the organ.  We would turn down the lights, creating an ominous setting.  We would dress in black.  The first part of the evening, I would speak from an outer room and he would play the organ in the sanctuary.  Then I would appear and speak again.  There would be periods of reading, silence, and music.

It was a phenomenal evening of spiritual opening.  As I read words that had come to me during meditation and prayer, I was so moved by Cleve's music, by his courage to let go, to surrender himself to the words so carefully written.  I sensed a depth of spirit that gave way to a greater trust in faith in you.  I felt my own self walk a dark road that night with a bare hint of light.  Yet, I felt a presence with me on that Lenten road.  I had the feeling those in the congregation sensed the same thing.  Although nearly 20 years ago, I still remember and give thanks.

Thank you
for my friend,
his perspective,
his ability
to break out
of small boxes,
and his
creative spirit.
Bless him,
O God,
during this time
of transition
where once again
he trusts you
to lead him
down dark valleys
toward the light.

Love, Andrea