Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Dear God,

Sometimes you fill us to the brim with joy.  You give us the ability to see your spirit so beautifully at work.  You allow us to see the miracle of faith.

Our faith journey began nearly 30 years ago.  A fellow graduating seminarian invited another student and me to create a covenant group.  We asked the Carmelite community if we could meet in a small room at the monastery and then worship with them every Wednesday.  They said yes.  Ever since we have gathered together first with the Carmelites and when they left for Oldenburg to live among the Franciscans, we joined with the sisters of St. Benedict.

Your spirit has had its way with us.  You have called us to faith, to hope, and to trust.  You have prodded us to move closer to you and one another.  You have asked us to consider new ways of being, to love and forgive, and to offer mercy and do justice.  You have mended our hearts and filled our souls with the oil of gladness.  You have changed us, remolding and remaking us anew.  You have never allowed us to grow stagnant.  You show us the path toward transformation.  You whisper the secrets of the mystery of faith.  You reveal the truth that sets us free.

Last night we gathered around a Christmas table.  With our spouses we shared our stories, faith, and appreciation of your living spirit so alive in our lives.  We celebrated the wonders of faith.  We sensed your spirit moving among us, sweeping us up, lifting us toward heaven.  We were filled with awe and wonder.  We overflowed with joy!

Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for allowing us
to sit
at your table.
Thank you
for feeding us,
not from
the crumbs,
but from
the feast
you prepared.
Thank you
for the glory
of faith
and the joy
it produces.

Love always, Andrea