Sunday, April 28, 2013

My dearest God,

Thank you for the drawing power of church.  There is no greater joy than the feeling of being included in your place of love.  After all, you were lead to create church, that sense of wondrous community where grace takes center stage.

I heard them singing as I turned the corner walking to the family I have come to love.  I felt the urgency in my soul to get there, to join them in song, to offer my own faith, and to give away some of the joy you have given me.  As I walked up the steps and moved inside, I felt a smile spread wide on my face.  Truly, I was home, at home in faith, love, and grace.

I teased the first man I saw, a friend whose bantering I so enjoy.  Around the  pew came another man with open arms whose friendship grew last summer.  Three women retreatants waved, their faces aglow just being in your presence and seeing on my face the same faith look they were wearing.

Throughout the service I realized once again why faith is the most important commodity in the world.  Our prayers, our joy, our giving, and our love blend to create something so much bigger than ourselves.  The word in both song and message go to the heart of who we are and for however long it may be, we establish ourselves deeper in your embrace and more importantly you welcome us in.

Glorious God,
so generous
with blessings
for your children,
thank you
for the gift
of church,
for faith,
grace, and love.
Thank you
for hope
that seeds itself
Sunday after Sunday.
Thank you
for your
living presence
so apparent
when our hearts
are truly open
to you.

Love, Andrea