Sunday, July 8, 2012

Dearest God,

You are a constant companion to your children.  You are present when we are aware and when we are not. You make your presence known when our heart suddenly thinks of you.  You do that so we can "tune in",  make ourselves aware of you, and begin the conversation of faith.

Today at church I was privileged to preach a message on Turning Heartstones into Heartsongs.   I gave my whole collection of heartstones to a couple of retreatants who passed them out at the door as people entered.  We sang wonderful songs, some of my favorite about a song in our hearts, your song really.  After greeting people, I couldn't remember the service.  I could not recall reading the scripture, preaching, singing, or even fellowshipping with people as they came through the line.  It was all gone.  All I was aware of was my husband at my left and a doctor on my right.  I was confused, disoriented, alarmed, and frightened.  Pieces to my puzzle were missing.  The doctor walked me to our car.

It was about a hour later when I found myself at the hospital emergency room.  Test results were negative.  Everything looked normal but the diagnosis of a form of amnesia.  Apparently due to the heat I had suffered a loss of memory.

As evening time came I realized how present you had been to me through my husband, the doctor and his nurse wife, the doctor and nurses at the hospital, the people at church who were praying, and of course, my family and their gift of putting me on prayer chains.  You had spoken to me all day long blessing me with help, calm, love, and tender care.  Although completely exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally, I went to bed knowing I was safe in your embrace.

Gracious and Kind God,
thank you
for the
unexpected gifts
of life.
Thank you
for your
living presence.
Thank you also
for the awareness
of your presence
and the delight
when noticing.
I love you.

Always, Andrea