Friday, June 6, 2014

Dear God,

Why, O Lord, must some resort to guns to resolve problems?  Why do people turn to guns?  I hate guns.  I hate killing.  I hate stories of people who use guns to destroy.  I hate it when leaders who serve the people turn their heads rather than take steps to remove assault weapons from those who misuse them.

I love the story of turning swords into plowshares. I always wondered how to do that. It wasn't until the end of the day that I realized you had helped me turn a large gun rack into a lovely vegetable and flower garden.

I hated the rack that has been in our possession for 40 years.  My husband wanted to keep it thinking we could use it for something else.  Last year when I started dragging the huge thing to the burn pile, a friend encouraged me to plant flowers in it so I kept it.  Today I planted herbs, flowers, and vegetables in the pockets.  After watering everything it was then I recalled Jesus' story about swords and plowshares.  I smiled recognizing the gift and the story.

Illumine our minds
with your ideas,
Generous God.
Teach us
to turn weapons
into beauty
all can enjoy.
Make us
a people
of peace,
I pray.

Love, Andrea