Friday, July 12, 2013

Dearest God,

I am convinced we grow our capacity to love by loving.  As we give ourselves in various acts of love, you fill us with your love.

Years ago I lived to love others by giving so much of myself away.  Believing those I gave to would return love back in some way, I was often disappointed.  My expectations were so high that I defeated myself.  I forgot that real love comes to us when we give charitably without strings attached.  I know relationships must be reciprocal if there is to be a true relationship; however, giving love is never a selfish act.  Loving others opens us up to more of you.

A few years ago I was awash with your love. As I had become bereft of love, guarded, and empty, you came to me in a way I could only have imagined in my dreams.  Perhaps because I was seemingly empty, my vessel was needy, open to a wave of love.  When you came I was bowled over.  Every cell in my body was full to overflowing.  As I breathed in, I sensed I was breathing in more of you.  As I took in your generous gift, I was revived, restored, and renewed.  My outlook changed.  My whole person was transformed.  I saw things differently.  I heard things in a way not possible before.  My expectations shifted because I received a new perspective on life.  I was a new person because your love does that.

Loving is good because it always takes us full circle back to you.

You are good,
O Lord;
your love
is everlasting.
Forgive us
when we fail
to remember.
Thank you
for blessing me
with your love
and the love
of others.
I am blessed
because you
are in
my life
and I
am grateful.

Love, Andrea