Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Dear God,

Like a dry, thirsty land, I was like a dry, thirsty land in search of water.  As I stepped into the monastery, placed my finger in the blessed holy water and made the sign of the cross, and we began to sing, there was no doubt I had found my oasis.  A beautiful, gentle waterfall in the midst of a hot, dry desert.

It was when we began to sing responsively to Psalm 63 that tears formed in my eyes, tears of gladness.  I breathed deep, hearing aloud my own deep sighs, a sound of my neediness of your wondrous spirit in the monastic community.  It was everything I longed for.

Something happens to me in a monastic setting.  The longing of my soul is rewarded.  The desire for the deep connection with your spirit is answered.  Your voice calls out to me and the whole of me becomes like putty in your hands.  We become one, united by eternity's strong cord.

As we stood to sing the final Canticle of Zachary, (I think that is what it is called) I felt love's breathless refreshment and I was glad, so very, very glad.

After months
of being away,
you breathed
new life
into me,
O God,
and my heart
is full
once again.
Thank you
for including me,
I am blessed.

Love from a grateful daughter, Andrea