Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Dear God,

A link with your living spirit connected strangers for just a few days more than 15 years ago.  We had each been drawn to Taize, France, a community of pilgrims exploring the things of God. From differing parts of the world, we shared a bit of our lives in small groups, in worship, and at meal times as we ate on the hillside.   We sensed your presence moving us closer in peace to you and one another.

A few years later my covenant group joined me for several days at Taize.  We saw your spirit moving again. We sang the music of faith, held our candle in the candlelight service, ate together at the heavenly banquet table and did menial tasks to help out.

In both instances we shared at the cross.  About five feet tall and beautifully hand-painted in bold South American style, it had been ceremonially placed on its back on the floor by the monks at the evening service so that all who would could come close.  As we waited for hours on our knees for a turn, I sensed we entered paradise.  Watching each person bow down with their foreheads touching the cross, we prayed and sang in four-part harmony the music of Taize.

I am remembering all that today as I was suddenly "found" on the Internet by a pilgrim in Spain with whom I shared my first time at Taize.  As she wrote me a brief note and I replied, my mind wandered back and I bathed once again in the spirit of the living God, with you, my Lord.  Grace, beautiful grace.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for gifts
far and near.
Thank you
for your spirit
that is always
with us.
Thank you
for joy
that can
well up
with your spirit
all day long.

Love, Andrea