Thursday, August 9, 2012

Dearest God,

To what extent will you go to connect with your people?  How far are you willing to go?

Seven years ago you invited me to commune with you in a new way.  You wanted to pique my interest in your living presence.  You urged me to anticipate sacred sightings where I would know you lived.  You wanted me to be intentional about living a daily life of faith.  You nudged me to grow, to move from a settled, weary, worn, and lifeless life to one of adventure, risk-taking, mountain climbing, jumping into the water, riding the life raft among the rapids, and going places I never dared dream.

In the first months of my leave taking you showed me the wonders of a spirit life.  You spoke to me of hallowed things.  You unlocked doors and challenged me to take steps inside.  Then you revealed untold mysteries, unraveling doubts, fears, and questions.  You whispered to me the truth that sets people free.

Every since that time you asked me to look closely, to await your coming, and to see for myself the absolute marvel of faith.  Sometimes those moments were high and lofty events; others were simple, small ways in which you revealed how trust, grace, and love can shape a life with purpose.  I've never been disappointed.

I must confess you outdid yourself this morning.  I could not believe it!  Still can't.  I was on my knees in the upstairs bathroom getting ready to mop the floor.  When I moved a wicker box I saw a small pile of something at the very back under the wall that had not been sealed.  At first I thought it was termite wood shavings.  Yuck! I thought.  Then I got a coat hanger, pushed it under the half inch gap, and started sliding forward bits and pieces of stuff.  There was a bunch of teeny wooden spirals (still not sure what that is) and then tiny pieces of wood and plaster but it was what I found in the midst of the pile that astounded me.  Four pieces of seaglass, one in the shape of a heart.  I sat there holding them in my hand reflecting upon just how great your grace is!

Loving God,
thank you
for all
the many gifts
you have
given me.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
with gratitude.
Thank you
for faith
that allows me
to see
the beauty
of a relationship
with you.
I am
deeply grateful!

Love, Andrea