Sunday, November 2, 2014

Dear God,

Following your lead I went to church early to be fitted for a choir robe.  My heart was heavy, filled with sadness and longing; yet, you urged me on calling me to trust you to do your new thing in me.  As we practiced our song and began the trek to the sanctuary, tears welled in my eyes.  As soon as I sat down in the choir loft and looked out for a face I knew, I felt very alone.  I blinked my eyes so my tears would stay put.  It was when the pastor invited us to stand and sing that I suddenly realized you put a song within my heart so I could be filled up with you.  As I sang I felt the "blues" fading and my heart swelling with love and appreciation for grace that works.

All throughout the service you spoke to me about hope, trust, and faith.  When I pointed out to you there was no one I knew, you asked me to take another look.  Then it came to me.  I was looking into the many faces of Jesus.  This was his family and I was part of his family.  A few minutes later as the family started down the aisle for Holy Communion, I saw Joyce who winked at me.  A retreatant and member of a former church, we both smiled somehow realizing you were at work.

At the close of the service a member of the choir took me by hand and walked me back to the sanctuary to meet her son who was also a United Methodist pastor.  When the pastor walked between us on his way back to the church office, he whispered to the visiting pastor that I was a good woman.  Like a child I felt welcomed, affirmed, and blessed.

You are God;
there truly is
none like you.
You guide us
when we
are willing
to follow.
You show us
the way.
Thank you
for your blessing.
May I be
a blessing
to you today,
I pray.

Love, Andrea