Thursday, October 24, 2013

My dearest God,

There are some places on this earth that speak to your glory because they tell a story about life in the faith lane.  One is my grandparents' farm in the tiny town of Atlanta, Indiana.  Oh, how much a drive by that old farmhouse and 80 acres can fill me with memories of family, faith, nature, and good food. The mere thought of that old family farm can bring warm tears to my eyes.

Another place is the Carmelite Monastery in Indianapolis, Indiana.  My deaths and risings, learning life lessons, and observing with great interest a community of women dedicated to your cause, remind me of what it means to stand in your living, loving presence.  Faith in giant vats poured out for many call me to my knees where I learned more about you than I could ever have imagined.

One more is Maine, particularly on Pleasant Street, our home for nine years.  I sit here in my kitchen looking out at my neighbor's huge white barn, the trees swaying in the cold, brisk morning air, the leaves scattered across the lawn between our properties and I think of the ways I have been lavished with grace here.  I have been uniquely blessed to work with you to restore and renew this 200 year old house and the property including a woods, long lawn, trees galore, and a river.  My partnership with my neighbor Fran and with you have allowed us to create a living sanctuary in the woods, revealing truths, joys, peace, hope, and harmony.  My goodness, even as I type away, my breathing slows allowing the peacefulness of this place to profoundly speak to me.

There are many, many more but this morning I give thanks for three knowing the significant way in which you have met me at these places blessing me and challenging me to bless others.  I will always be grateful!

You are God;
in you
I rejoice
and am filled
with gratitude.
Knowing I
have done nothing
to warrant
these gifts,
I pause
remembering,
celebrating,
reveling,
cherishing,
and honoring you.
Be blessed,
my Lord,
be blessed.

Love, Andrea