Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Dear God,

A time apart, your own son took time apart, apart from work, duty, home, and responsibility but not time apart from you.  Such time is time to journey with you, to be watchful of your spirit, to be quiet and listen, to reflect and give thanks, to learn, to pray, and to live in faith. 

These last few days tucked away in a cabin on a lake in Hueston Woods remind me of Jesus’ time away.  I realize your intention is for us to strengthen our resolve and our commitment to faith, to love, and to charity just like Jesus.  You want us to pause, to be willing to step away from what is familiar and predictable, and to clear our minds of too many things.  You know the hours and days will bring relief from tension and worry.  You want us to surrender whatever troubles our soul so you can fill us with hope and peace.  You ask us to trust you more deeply; such time can bring us to greater knowledge and understanding and even to holiness.

 As I sit in the sweet peace of your love, I want only to keep saying thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gracious and Merciful God,

thank you

for the gift

of life.

Thank you

for time

with you

and all

the gifts

that come with it.

My heart is full

of gratitude

and appreciation.

Love, Andrea