Friday, August 22, 2014

My dearest God,

Some say your church is filled with hypocrites, people who do not live up to the standard of faith.  They are probably right; there is not a flawless person among us.  Yet, you live in our midst teaching, cajoling, helping, guiding, challenging, and loving us.  The difference is those who gather as the church know they are flawed and that you are the author of our faith.  It is to you we pray because we have made friends with you.  No, you have made friends with us.  We know one another on a personal basis.

Tonight we gathered for a dessert theater.  Some among us performed talented acts, singing, dancing, storytelling, and telling jokes.  We laughed like crazy.  But there was one man, a beloved man who sang a simple song remembering his wife of 55 years, a generous woman of faith who died just weeks ago.  He sang because he knew he was in good company, people who loved him and his wife, and people who appreciated, respected, and saluted his own devout faith.  He never wept as he sang, his eyes sparkling as he remembered Judy "in his dreams" but we did because we recognized how powerful faith is to help us do things we thought impossible.

Indeed we are
a broken people,
O Lord,
but you
are the glue
that binds us together.
You call us friends
and we are.
We are glad
to be
in your company
as family members.
We thank you
for your generosity
helping us
with our faith,
making us
a better people
because we
willingly belong
to you.
Teach us
your will
and your way,
I pray.

Love, Andrea