Saturday, August 18, 2012

Dear God,

When you slow life down and we are enabled to look closely at what is happening around us, you show us scene after scene of the ways you have helped us.  Like a movie reel you reveal each image and we see what we already saw but also what we had not been able to see.  You point out other characters and those who helped move the props and scenery.  You show us details we oftentimes miss.

Recently our pastor asked me to choreograph a short video for our children on Rally Sunday.  She wanted to depict the life of Jesus and use it to help our kids get excited about faith.  Although I was tired, not well, and reluctant, I said yes anyway.  So when she called me weeks later and I had only barely thought about it, I had to put some time in to see what I could come up with. I sketched out a couple of things but in my dreams I awakened with picture after picture of Jesus in differing locations such as the ocean, the harbor, upon the rocks, on a hill, on the church steps, and inside the church.  It began to flow from darkness to Jesus and the children laughing together.

The next day I met with our pastor and children's ministry leader.  Together we shared what the video might look like.  They got excited but one thought it couldn't be put together in a month.  I shared the simplicity of the video and that's when a member walked into the office.  Having just been with him and his wife the night before, I remembered his talents as a former television producer.  I asked him to help.  He laughed, told me no, and then said when he usually said no first, he would say yes later.  He agreed to be both photographer and producer of the video.

I share all this with you, Gracious God, not because you didn't know it but because I want to acknowledge your inner workings of faith.  I want to say aloud how plentiful your gifts are to your people.  I want to confess a belief in you and a trust in your will and your way.  I want to show others how you help us to accomplish a task given to us for your purpose.  I want to say thank you one more time.

Merciful God,
you truly are
the source
of all good
in the world.
You create ideas
and then
help us
give them flesh.
You show us
the way.
You inspire us
to trust more,
to walk
more closely
in faith,
and to
bless others more
with your love.
I am filled
with gratitude.

Love always, Andrea