Monday, March 6, 2017

Dear God,

Today joy and anticipation filled my heart and mind as I drove into the Benedictine monastery.  The thought of retreating with my covenant group drew me close to you.  I couldn't wait to get inside both the facility and inside the work of your Holy Spirit.

As we sat to pray giving thanks for the time set aside for retreat, we followed your lead to go to the movies to watch The Shack.  As we watched the film, tears filled our eyes as we observed once again the gentle heart of your spirit at work.  How well the characters reminded us of your compassionate care particularly in the areas where our hearts, minds, and spirits have been wounded.  We gazed with special interest the ways in which you tended to another heart so very pained by the deep, senseless murder of his young daughter.  Although it was a Hollywood production, nonetheless, it pointed us to you and the countless ways you minister to your children.

How blessed we were to begin our time with a display of the Master, the Comforter, Teacher, Redeemer, and Friend.

Gracious God,
let me count
the many ways
you speak
to us.
Thank you
for the author
of The Shack.
Thank you
for the
amazing way
you helped him
pen the words
of a novel
to help
heal him
and us.

Love, Andrea