Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Dear God,

By all my calculations this is my 3,000th letter to you from two different blogs beginning September, 2005. What started as a simple idea, shared with me by a member of my church when I readied myself to take a pilgrimage of faith as a result of a Lilly Clergy Renewal grant awarded to my church and me, has become a sacred lifeline.  Each day I write you not because I have to but because you compel me to keep our conversation going.  As I write I feel your spirit weaving through the lines, the words, the intent, the song I sing for you when I sit down to contemplate your living presence in my life.  I feel humbled to have the opportunity to share what I see and hear, what I taste and feel, what I smell in the air of your created world.

Your spirit is sweet in a world where inequality reigns and so many people hurt and suffer.  Your spirit is mysterious as it unfolds in unpredictable ways and times.  Your spirit is kind as it ministers to broken hearts and lonely spirits.  Your spirit is powerful as it moves, challenges, disciples, cleans, and heals.  Your spirit is full of grace as it forgives replacing pain and grief with mercy and compassion.  Your spirit is beautiful as it paints pictures of goodness in human life and the natural world.  Your spirit is holy reminding us there is a deep spirit world where human and divine meet and dance the dance of faith.  Your spirit is genuine; there is nothing artificial about you.  Your spirit is all loving even during times of correction.  Your spirit is creative showing us the vast number of ways your presence can touch and inspire.  Your spirit is living just like oxygen that we breathe but do not see; yet, it gives life to me and all your people.  Your spirit is sure and steadfast although most times we are neither. Your spirit is transforming giving us chances to renew ourselves. Your spirit is good urging us to love one another for the sake of the whole world.

What can I say to all this?  What human words are adequate enough to describe and give thanks?  None, but my heart overflows with love and appreciation.  The fact that I have faith is a testimony to your activity in the world.  I am grateful, Living, Loving God.  I am filled with gratitude and love.

Most Gracious God,
thank you
for gifts
far beyond
our capacity
to fully grasp.
Thank you
for the
sacred connection
that holds
each of us
close to you.
Thank you
for the awareness
to recognize
the divine
when it appears.
Thank you
for grace
when we fail
to see, hear,
taste, feel,
and smell
your living presence
in our midst.
Thank you
for the reality
of faith,
the hinge post
of a life
with you.

Love always, Andrea