Sunday, August 18, 2013

Dearest God,

The arms of the Lord extend wide and deep; your arms reach out and come to us from above and below, to the right and the left.  I learned this yesterday as I arrived at church.  Love met me at the door and kept greeting me all during and following the service.  I couldn't even get out of the choir loft for the people that came up to fill me with love and the promise of prayers and support.  I was overwhelmed with your goodness and mercy.

At the offertory time, it was my time to give back.  Filled up with love from on high is not a blessing intended to "build bigger barns" to hold it all but rather an opportunity to spill over, to release, to share with others. As I stood with the choir to sing one of my most favorite songs, a song to be sung at my own memorial service some day, I lifted my head and my burdened heart and I began to sing, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."  With the strength of Solomon I sang the high soprano notes.  My volume was high and my resolve complete.  I smiled in the knowledge that indeed "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Holy God,
giver of joy
and peace,
you deserve
all my praise.
I give thanks
to you
and my heart
for it belongs
to you.

Love, Andrea