Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Dear God,

Not even a severe winter with high winds, 100 inches of snow, falling limbs and layers of leaves could prevent the spring bulbs from rising up out of the chilly ground.  The bright green amid winter's brown is something to behold, bringing hope after a long, dark winter.

As I walked along the spiritual path hidden beneath the leaves, I could see signs of spring everywhere.  As I viewed the colors, I remembered how you bring light and color to dark human situations.  You do not leave us forever in the dark; your light still shines.

One of the most meaningful, stirring moments I can remember is standing in Kiev, Ukraine in June, 1988 where nearly 100,000 were killed in what once was a beautiful, quiet park.  After a long time of grief and sorrow, a tiny blue forget-me-not flower began to grow until they were everywhere.  Babi Yar was and still is a reminder that you do not forget us.  You give us signs of your living, loving presence even though there are those who work to stomp out the light.  As I stood there in a foreign land among strangers, my heart fell and my prayers began for brothers and sisters who became instant family.  As I observed others paying their respects, I realized how your spirit is never destroyed, rather it comes to give us hope and healing.

Wondrous God,
how good
you are
to come
to us
in our hour
of need.
Thank you
for spring
that follows winter.
Thank you
for rebirth
and new life.

Love always, Andrea