Monday, July 11, 2016

Dear God,

There is joy in your presence.  Driving to worship, knowing we will be met by the great shepherd brings comfort to weary souls.

It is a beautiful day, blue skies, sun shining, and trees gently dancing in the breeze.  It could not be a more lovely day to gather with the church.  As I walked into the edifice, a gorgeous architectural beauty, I looked into the faces of those leaving the first service.  I knew I wanted what they had experienced in your home.

As I sat in the pew in the third row and gazed upon the amazing stained glass window with Jesus and others in a pastoral scene, I breathed in the light of faith.  As the music began, I quietly hummed, letting the music into my own weary soul.  As I observed the baptism of a baby and disabled teenage girl in a wheelchair, thoughts of your great love wafted through the congregation.  I realized once again how living water is always available to thirsty souls even as the pastor calls us to want justice, practice justice, and become just people to make a just world.

As I stepped out onto the walkway following the service, I smiled, greeting strangers with the same joy I had just found recognizing this is exactly what you give to those who come, gather, worship, pray, and then depart.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for your gifts
are beyond value.
Thank you
for worship,
for prayer,
for music,
for fellowship,
and for joy.
Thank you
for eternal love
that meets us
at every door.

Love, Andrea