Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Dear God,

Every day experiences can speak to us of you.  They can teach us life lessons reminding us just how much we still have to learn.

For years I failed to take really good care of the wood in our home. I worked long hours, was sick and heartsick, and too weary to do the work.  So heat, cold, grandchildren, our dog, sweepers, and natural wear took their toll.  Three weeks ago I started refurbishing, giving new life to the rich golden pecan wood.  I washed it and then used a stain marker to fill in the lost color.  I let it dry and then I oiled it well.  I let it dry again and then I buffed it.  The wood work and doors are looking beautiful once again.  I wasn't sure I could return them to their former luster.

It's obvious how this long and arduous task spoke to me.  The human soul is always in need of being renewed by your compassionate hand.  The elements of sin, lack of concern or care, belligerence, neglect, disregard, and abuse can take their toll on a human life.  When little or no care is given, the soul can fall into disrepair.  It can dry up, crack, bleed, and collapse.  It can fail to hold on to its resources like living water, faith, love, and even mercy.  I know from first-hand experience the way non care can disrupt and destroy.

But you, O Lord, you come along knowing the work it will take to repair and restore a human life.  You take the time necessary to begin the renovation.  First, you touch us giving us hope.  Next, you gently scrub away the dirt and grime revealing the raw wounds and running sores.  Then you apply holy salve, the healing ointment of heaven.  Finally you wait with us breathing your life into us, tending to our continued care, and loving us into wholeness and health.  When we are ready and willing to walk in the newness of life, you nudge us toward the future giving us the opportunity to shine once again.

O God,
how loving
you are,
how merciful.
Often we refuse
to give thanks
acknowledging the
constant care
you give us.
Forgive us,
I pray.
Show us
the way
once again.
Remind us
how transformation
can literally rebuild
a human life.
Thank you
for your
glorious mercy.

Love always, Andrea