Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Dear God,

When we trust you, really trust you, you will lead our way.  As we lean in to you, we will feel the tug to move.  We will be motivated to follow because we know your plan for us is always better than our own.

Shortly after we moved to our home in Maine, my neighbor and I became acquainted.  We discovered our yearning for God and our desire to be partners in creation.  As we walked our land, about five acres of woods, river, field, and yard, we listened to your gentle voice urging us to open up the woods so we could find your living sanctuary.

First, we spent a year clearing and cleaning up a massive thicket of neglected bushes, overgrown flowers, tangled roots, and so many weeds between our properties.  Second, we enlarged the area and created a sizable flower garden starting with 90-year-old rose bushes that belonged to her grandmother.  Third, we added antique flowers because we love Victorian gardens and old fashioned flowers.  We planted a delicate tree (I don't know the name) that literally dances in the wind.  Finally, we placed a bench where we could sit sipping our coffee and enjoying the beauty all around us.  But that was just the beginning!

The next year I began digging out cow roses along the edge of the woods, a natural fence to keep cows in the pasture but a nasty hedge of tall thorny bushes.  I trimmed back the tree branches and got my first look at what you wanted me to see.  Every year since I have been laboring long in the sanctuary following your openings and leadings.

This year I worked on the spiritual path, setting river stones, transferring moss, pouring out river rock pebbles, mulching, and planting flowers, bulbs, and plants.  Two weeks ago as I was nearing an end to the two sections I was working on, I saw the sanctuary without walls and I walked over and started cutting back, pulling weeds, digging out tree stumps, and clearing the way for the path.  What I discovered were ferns on both sides of what would be the path.  They simply outlined it for me.  I continued my work and finally today I mulched the ferns.  I have plenty of planting to do but  I sat down on a beautiful bench I bought a month ago and I prayed giving thanks marveling at your work.

As always as I trust in you, I am filled with surprises and numerous small graces!

Loving God,
thank you
for your leading.
Thank you
for faith
that inspires us
to follow you.
Thank you
for giving me
the privilege
of uncovering
your sacred treasure.

Love, Andrea