Sunday, July 22, 2012

Dear God,

The temperature outside was cool enough for me to attend worship at our beloved Church on the Cape.  It was my first time since preaching there and later experiencing amnesia, forgetting everything I had done.  Apparently excessive heat had caused my memory to lapse due to my health condition. 

It was wonderful to step inside the small New England church.  Several faces turned toward me registering surprise, delight, and joy in seeing me.  Perhaps these were the same people who had been carrying me to you in prayer.  I felt so loved.

A few minutes later after announcements and my standing up to thank the people for their loving support and prayers, we greeted one another.  One of the men who had stood up to hug me when I came in, put something in my hand as I was hugging a friend close by.  When I opened my palm, I found a beautiful yellow bejeweled bracelet.  Just as I was thinking how thoughtful the generous man was to me, suddenly the bracelet turned into a rosary before my eyes.  As I spread the beads on the elastic band, I prayed first for the man who gives to so many and then his family.  I prayed for the people of Aurora, Colorado, and all the victims.  All during the service I prayed for pastors, churches, international leaders, my family, those who were suffering, and so many more as you brought them to mind.  I realized how you had so blessed me with the ability to be in church so that I would be moved to pray for the world.

Merciful God,
my heart
is full
of appreciation
for your grace.
Your gifts
are so many
and continually
surprise me.
Make me
always aware
of you
so I
may be attentive
to your
living spirit.
I give thanks.

Love, Andrea