Saturday, April 1, 2017

Dear God,

Joy fills our soul when we follow your leading, when we listen to your voice, when we do your will.  Only good awaits us when we say yes.  The way may be difficult but the benefits are great.

These last days I have been on a whirlwind journey spending time with grandchildren, elderly aunts, children, cousins, and friends.  I didn't think I had the time but therein lay my problem.  I always have a list of work to do and I like checking off the tasks done.  However, in making my work my priority I leave little time to connect with people I love most in the world.  I fail to be a good mother, grandmother, family member, friend, and helper.  I miss out on opportunities to reflect, remember, and to celebrate relationships that have nourished me all my life.

This happens with you too, Lord.  I busy myself with everything else and fail to make time and space with you.  I fail to be a committed, faithful Christian.  I give you the leavings of my day.  I am sorry.  I miss you every day that I do not spend quality time with you.  Every day I have a longing in my heart for you; yet, I don't always follow up on that longing to carve out time with you.

But when I do...when I listen, hear, and follow, you fill me with so much joy.  You anoint me with the oil of gladness.  My heart, soul, spirit, mind, the whole of me overflows with joy.  All the moments I spent with family and friends the last few days have filled me and I am bubbling over with joy.  I realize that all this joy comes from you and I am full of gratitude to you, Most Gracious Redeemer.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for your
loving persistence.
Thank you
for your
tender care.
Thank you
for connecting us together.

Love, Andrea