Sunday, January 27, 2013

Dear God,

With snow falling upon my shoulders and crunching beneath my feet, I lift my eyes heavenward to gaze upon St. Joseph, revered saint of the Congregation of St. Joseph.  The statue atop the four story monastery, St. Joseph seems to know my gratefulness as I quietly cry out, "How is it that I am so blessed?  How did I get to the place where so many blessings would fall upon me?  How does so much love find its way to me?"

I know so well my limitations, my flaws and imperfections, my failings and even my belligerence; yet, you  bless me with so many gifts.  Through really no merit of my own, you come to me time and again to bless me.  Perhaps it is the longing of my heart to draw nearer to you, my desire to live moment by moment in your living presence, or my passion to live a life of gratitude recognizing all of life as gift or maybe, just maybe it is living grace that presents itself to all of us. I am sure it is the latter.

Some days are so alive with you.  Sometimes it seems I walk in another dimension of life.  I feel your spirit so deeply.  At such times gratitude wells us within me, so much so that my fountain spills over in joy.

Today is one of those days.  Deciding to stay on at the monastery for a couple more days where I walk the halls with contemplative sisters, I sense a very sweet peace.  I know some of the work you do here.  I observed it this weekend as I led a retreat on Heartstones:  Signs and Symbols of God's Living Presence.  I watched as women opened themselves afresh to your spirit.  I heard the sound of your voice as they sang their heartsongs and celebrated eternity's joy.

My heart is full; my fountain overflows.

Wondrous God,
what mystical union occurs
when our hearts
are completely open
to you.
Thank you
for making us aware
of your
living presence.
Thank you
for unexpected gifts
and the
beautiful turns
and twists
in our
spiritual journeys.
Thank you
for sacred sites
and spiritual souls
who make
it possible
for simple pilgrims
to find you.

Love, Andrea