Sunday, June 10, 2012

My dearest God,

You care for every detail of our lives, don't you?  Your love extends from heaven to earth every time one of your children has a need.  I know this because it is exactly what you have done for me.

The retreat this weekend was wonderful.  Your hand prints were all over the place. We heard your voice and were moved by the gentle breeze of your generous spirit.  Love flowed from eternity's fountain.

But it was on the drive home where I experienced the greatest movement of your Holy Spirit power.  Although I was suffering from extreme exhaustion, I was certain I could drive the two hours home.  After ten minutes I realized how foolish I was.  Tears formed in my eyes and I began to pray for your help.  You answered:  "Put on the music."  I knew which music you were talking about.  It was the CD my grandchildren and I sing together in the car, the music of Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson, a Father's Day gift to my husband from his son.  I followed your leading but I knew I could not sing the music like I usually do because it would take too much energy from me.

When the music began, a strange and wondrous thing happened.  I saw the car seats fill with the forms of my grandchildren.  I could see them singing at the top of their lungs and playing their imaginary instruments.  I could see Gabrielle hollering at the others when they began to play the harmonica.  (She's very possessive about the harmonica.)  All the way home they accompanied me home singing, playing their musical instruments, talking and laughing together.  Although I could hardly make it up the steps to my bed, I was safely home and I knew who had driven me there.

Gracious God and Loving Caregiver,
I marvel
at the depth
of your compassion
and great mercy.
You touch
and inspire;
you heal
and help.
You guide us
by green pastures
and lead us
to refreshing pools
of living water.
You give us life
in the midst
of death
and light
in the
utter darkness.
Your love
knows no bounds.
I praise you
for your
blessed faithfulness.

Love, Andrea