Monday, July 22, 2013

Dear God,

Alice bought my cookbook at the fair.  Following church she told me she wanted to bring her new purchase to the retreat so I could sign it for her.  I told her I was no celebrity but sure, I would be happy to sign it for her.

Alice is one of my favorite people at church.  When she sees me, her eyes light up.  Ready to turn 90 any day Alice is a delight, a joy of heaven.  She exhibits a rare kind of care in today's world.  When I catch a glimpse of her, I do the same thing.  I light up too.

Ruth is another one who is also in her 80's.  Yesterday I bought two of her cobbler aprons at the fair. She was so happy to see me that she patted my shoulder and then my hand.  "Oh honey, I am so happy to know you have two of my aprons."  She told me.  I had asked Ruth to play the bent-over woman in the video I directed a year ago on the life of Jesus.  She hasn't forgotten it.  She saw God in herself when she witnessed the video.  She said she was so enthralled in the message that she failed to recognize herself.

Today as I scan the horizon for a view of your living presence, I realize I saw you in both Ruth and Alice.  Gentle, kind, affirming, and so very loving.  Just like Jesus.

Holy God,
spirit of all
that is good,
thank you
for the
powerful witness
of Ruth
and Alice.
Bless them
for their faithfulness,
I pray.
Make me
like them.
Make all
of us
like them.

Love, Andrea