Monday, August 3, 2015

Dear God, 

Sometimes you provide incredible moments to experience your lavish grace.  You pour out your spirit upon us and we know that we know you are with us.  We are compelled to give thanks in recognition of unexpected grace. 

When I talked with my sick friend and told her I was returning to Indiana to see her, she was very happy.   When we hung up, my mind filled with memories of earlier days, of working together, traveling together, and praying together.  I remembered precious moments of faith, lifting up one another, trusting you, and walking in the darkness with just a speck of light but just enough to make it through.  I recalled our trips to the mountain where in a remote monastic community, we discovered faith anew.  I recollected the time when she drove me down the mountain to a hospital an hour away.  My blood pressure had skyrocketed and hovered way above stroke level and she and the others prayed for me.  By the time we arrived in town, the pressure had decreased enough for me to just go to the motel and sleep. I remembered her faithfulness to you, to your church, and to me.  I remembered the blessing of her friendship. 

As I pondered my time with my friend, I celebrated the great value of your generous grace. 

Holy Father,

thank you

for holy memories.

Thank you

for grace

and faith

that sustains us

during difficult times.

Thank you

for special friends

who remind us

of you.

Love always, Andrea