Sunday, April 1, 2012

Dear God,

The preacher talked about a journey, Jesus' journey in particular.  But I began to think of my own journey, a movement in space and time, my own history of mountains and valleys, short and sometimes interminably long side trips, and somewhat dull and boring straight-ways where I missed the turnoffs.  Treks, alone and with you.

I am where I am, right now, right here.  I see my path clearly, no foggy mist, no threatening storm clouds, no ominous skies headed my way, at least that I know of.  I realize this is not a time to be unaware, to forget challenges that may appear, or to put down my resources of faith, courage, and discernment.  It is a season of well being but also a time to remember jaunts of the past when I thought everything was exactly the way I wanted it and I just took off without a full backpack.  I took faith for granted.  I relied on myself.  I ignored warning signals that my roots were withering for lack of living water.  I failed to live in gratitude and to be prepared for what may lie ahead.  I forgot.

As I considered my present journey, I gave thanks.  When we sang the doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow...", I remembered that all my blessings have come from you.  My ability to recognize your hand in my life is a huge gift, one that I appreciate the very most.

As I leave home-base today and drive down the road to work on a publication project, I pray I will pay close attention to the direction I am going.  I pray I will look and listen for signs and sounds, for changes I may need to make along the way.  And above all, I pray I will whistle a tune or sing a song of thanksgiving for you.

Great and Wondrous God,
lead the way
so I
may follow.
Keep me focused
on where
I am going.
Make me ready
to change directions
at the sound
of your voice.
May my journey
be one
you have
already traveled
and know
the way.

Love, Andrea