Sunday, July 23, 2017

Dear God,

Yesterday we gathered as a choir for a lobster bake on Cundy's Harbor.  Set on a charming cove we ate, chatted, laughed, sang, and had a wonderful time.  It was a little later when my friend Nancy pointed to the hammock and said how she wished she had more time to swing in her hammock at home.  Quickly I said, "Nancy, you have 24 hours every day.  You can take 15 minutes daily to swing."  It was easy to say it because I was talking to myself.  I too have a hammock in our backyard and wish for time to swing. 

So the next day when I stepped outside to do my devotions, I saw the hammock in the corner of my eye.  Since Nancy and I made a pact and commitment to swing in our hammocks before choir practice on Thursday, I decided to swing as I read.  As I lay there between devotional books, I looked up.  I gazed at the blue, blue sky. I watched the clouds move slowly by.  I envied the birds as they caught a draft and soared.  My breathing slowed, my prayers of gratitude began.

That little time in the hammock made me realize I often fail to look up.  I miss the wonder and amazement of creation and its invitation to soar.  I forfeit opportunities to grow, be silent, listen, watch, and breathe the air of calm.  I miss you.

Loving God,
thank you
for lessons
from the hammock.
Thank you
for invitations
to look up,
to grow,
and to soar.
Thank you
for the blessing
of today.

Love, Andrea