Thursday, August 23, 2012

Dear God,

Yesterday when my new friend and I walked into our woods, we talked about ways in which your spirit might want to work in it.  Within hours I began to feel the path beneath my feet, something that had never happened before.  After years of pulling out huge roots, cutting down invasive trees, plucking thousands of tiny maple seedlings, digging out debris like glass, metal, pipes, rusty cans, nails, plastic and so much more, I finally could see my way.  I immediately knelt down close to the ground and began to clear the path.  How excited I was after nearly eight years to give shape to the spiritual path you intended.

One of the many lessons you have taught me is to listen for your voice, attend to your will, follow your plan, and then celebrate with you.  But I must confess it still boggles my mind that you trust me to help you fulfill your plan on earth.  When you want something done, you whisper gently.  You invite me in and show me a vision of your design.  Like a master planner, you provide a blueprint and tools to accomplish the task.  You then promise your continuing support and give your devoted love that reveals your trust in me.  Wow!

As I continued to work in the dirt, seeing in my mind's eye the beauty that will come and inspire others, a neighbor walked into our yard with a wheelbarrow of dead limbs to put on our burn pile.  He told me it was a waste of time to be clearing a path because more weeds would just come.  I told him there was a plan.  Later someone else came by and told me the same thing.  I felt drained, hurt, angry, and resentful and so like any bad child, I pouted all evening.

Merciful God,
remind me
to trust you
and not
be afraid.
Teach me
to be patient.
Help me realize
we do not
all have
the same vision.
Direct my heart
toward forgiveness
because what good
is it
if I follow
your dream
and resent those
who do not
carry the
same dream.

Love, Andrea