Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Dear God,

I've come to the conclusion that sometimes it is important to see life from the underbelly.  If we are always on top, how will we ever know what happens on the bottom or somewhere in between?  How will we ever appreciate what people do to rise up in faith, in hope, in courage, and in strength?  How will we understand the levels of life people move through in their journey?  How will we be able to acknowledge, support, and walk with persons who find themselves at the lowest rung trying to move from where they are to where you want them to be?

I find I learn more life lessons when I am "down under" than when I am seemingly at the top.  When I have to rely on the help of others, when I have to ask for help, when I have to confess my own inadequacies in difficult times, and when I have to accept my limitations, it is at that moment when I have to raise my face toward heaven and see myself through the lens of faith.  Am I an iron woman?  No.  Am I totally self sufficient?  No.  Am I capable of manipulating my own world to meet all my own needs?  No.  I have to get honest with myself and with you.  And reluctantly, I have to say I am grateful.  I truly believe the words of Jesus who said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

As I continue to struggle with my health in a world that still does not fully understand the inner workings of the endocrine system, I have to breathe in more and more of your spirit in order to remain patient, calm, and hopeful.  In so doing I will gravitate more and more toward joy that reminds me how faith can help me attain your will for my life.

Teach me
to adopt
your ways,
O God.
Show me
the way
to true contentment.
Remind me
to live
a life
of gratitude.

Love, Andrea