Saturday, March 16, 2013

Dearest God,

I admit it!  In my mind I was making a list of grievances when I found it.  I was working in my garden, clearing debris, cutting back plants, raking leaves, and smoothing mulch when I discovered a small smooth stone.  Once I cleared the dirt, I realized it was a polished purple heart stone. Although I had purchased polished rocks to put around my contemplative garden pond for my grandchildren to find, to my knowledge I never bought a heart stone.  They have all been round.  I could not believe it!  But, of course, I could believe it!

I laughed and then smiled really big.  Of course, you would lead me to a symbol of your living presence.  Although it was not near the pond or my statue of St. Francis (the two most likely places) it was where you knew I would work and find it.  You left it on purpose.  You challenged my attitude.  I sat for a while murmuring my thanksgiving, confessing my sin, and apologizing.  How could I put my hands in the soil of my beloved garden and then sit and complain?  Finally, I stood and walked over to St. Francis, sat down, prayed, kissed the stone, and then put it up close to his heart on his cowl.  I smiled and gave thanks for the amazing afternoon blessing.

Teach me
your way,
dear God;
I am
a slow learner.
Sometimes I get
sucked in
to feeling sorry
for myself
and forget
there is
no reason
to sulk
when I
am in
your presence.
Please forgive me.
Thank you
for your
merciful love
that never,
ever lets go.

Love, Andrea