Saturday, January 19, 2013

Dear God,

When I walked into the dark writing room where tall, narrow windows surround two walls, I noticed how much of the outside I could view but when I turned on the light inside all I could see was a reflection of myself.  Right then I realized how much of you I cannot see when I am focused on my own picture.

How easy it is, O Lord, to focus on myself, my dreams, my thoughts, my needs, my fears, and my desires.  I am, after all, queen of my own life.  But when I step back and really take a look, all I truly see is me.  How small, how dull, how blinded I am when the world is all about me.  But when I shift the view finder just the slightest bit, I am able to witness so much more.  I can catch a glimpse of you and others.  I can discern life beyond me, life that is abundant, beautiful, full of promise, challenging, and a real piece of art.  I can lay eyes on the sacred which is at the center of all good things.  I can engage in the divine mystery that gives breath to new beginnings, wisdom to bewilderment, and a peek at the invisible work of your spirit.  I can scan the surface and sometimes peer beneath the surface where surprise, insight, hope, and joy live.

Although I need the light to see in order to write, how much more I need your light in order to see you.

Thank you
for all
the surprises
that await us
when we
pause to turn
toward you.
Forgive us
when we fail
to move
beyond ourselves.
Nudge us
in your direction,
I pray.

Love, Andrea