Friday, July 11, 2014

Dear God,

In you there is only light.  As we turn toward you in our darkness your light shines upon us giving hope to return to you, to live by faith, and to make decisions that honor you and our best self.

Some things are hard, really hard.  As we face struggles we are tempted by our own voice trying to justify our thoughts and attitudes.  We want to lash out, to make our hurts known, and even to hurt others who have hurt us.  But in faith, when our hearts desire you above all else, your voice rises and speaks a word or two and we back down knowing our greater goal is not to strike but to listen and follow your will for our lives.  We are never disappointed because your compassionate love for us is always greater than our need to balance our lives in judgement.

As we walk the journey of life, you give us opportunity upon opportunity to stay close.  You ask us to watch, listen, and learn.  You want our best because you know when we do turn to you our hearts are filled with gratitude for remaining silent or working through hurts that come.  This does not mean we are to absorb all that comes our way.  We may stand for what is right and good but one act of evil does not justify another one.  If we do act in anger we gain nothing but evil and sorrow in return.  However, when we seek you as others harm us, you give us great love, understanding, and wisdom.  Why would we make any other choice?

Gracious God,
thank you
for your kindness.
Thank you
for teaching us
valuable lessons
of faith.
Help us
seek you
above all else.

Love, Andrea