Saturday, July 21, 2012

Dear God,

Why does the human heart long?  What makes it long for what is perceived missing or far away or lacking?

I miss my family.  Because of my latest health scare, doctors recommended that I not fly home.  That meant I would go months without being with them.  My heart longs for them.

I so remember the psalmist saying, "my heart longs for you, O Lord."  While I miss my family terribly I have learned there is no longing like a longing for you.  The whole of my being grows weary when I feel distant from you.  I feel off, separate, lonely, and sometimes even afraid.  I lose my center.  Although I chart my course each day, it feels as though I am not sure where I am and then not certain how to get where I need to go.  I can feel empty, sometimes almost without form.  Does that even make sense?  And so I long and pray and meditate and wait.  I make myself silent before you, awaiting your word, your kindness, your challenge.  But I also try to be content knowing it should be enough to know I am loved by you and your living presence is always with me.  Like St. Paul, I try to be content in whatever situation I am in because I believe I remain in your presence even if I cannot feel it or make connection.

Do you long for us when we are away? 

Loving God,
teach me
to be patient
knowing you are
as close
as my breath.
Show me
the way
to true contentment.
Thank you
for longing
that assures
me of relationships
so valuable
to me.
Thank you
for love
that draws me in.

Love, Andrea