Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Dear God,

As I go about my life each day, I long for you.  Whether in a good mood or struggling to make sense of something, I still long for you.  That's why I loved singing the song I Am Longing for You from Breaking Bread in the morning mass today.  As the service concluded and we walked out, one of the sisters told me she loved the song too.

Longing for you seems the most natural part of my daily routine.  Anticipating your living presence, seeing signs and symbols of your faithfulness, and feeling your gentle nudge in my spirit all make me realize your nearness in human life.

Do you create that longing, O God?  Do you wish for us to long for you?  Do you help us stay in relationship to you?

Back in 2006 when I returned from an extraordinary time of faith on my three and a half month clergy renewal leave to New Mexico, France, Italy, Ghana, England, and Maine, I wanted to show you my gratitude.  I wanted to express my devotion through sacred dance.  A friend brought an instrumental song to church and played it through one time.  I felt so inspired, so close to you that she played it again and I danced freely at the altar.  How happy I was to extend my thanksgiving with song and dance.  It was only later I learned the words of the song, "As the deer panteth for water, so my soul longeth after Thee.  You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship thee."  So natural, so right, so good.

You are
my heart's desire,
O God,
and I
do long
for you.
In your presence
love is
richer and deeper,
worship is
sweeter and
full of grace,
and faith
rises up,
higher and higher.

Gratefully, Andrea