Sunday, October 15, 2017

Dear God,

He was shivering in the cold, misty rain as I drove past him to church.  I saw him and felt sorry for him but I kept on driving not wanting to be late for church.  LATE FOR CHURCH???  Church was the moment I saw the man and failed to do anything.

And so you spoke, O Lord, and so you spoke.  "Forgive us, Lord, for acting as if we have not heard your call.  Forgive us, Lord, for living for ourselves, for ignoring the needs of our neighbors.  Forgive us for being timid disciples, afraid to reach out to the stranger...," the call to confession went during worship.  How much clearer did you need to be for me to hear you?

We pray to hear your voice and see your face and when we do, we ignore it.  No, I ignore it.  I failed to reach out, to love my neighbor, to help.  As the preacher gave his message, something clicked inside me and an idea came to me, one I intend to institute this week...new blankets in my car to give out when you appear in need.

I am sorry,
O Lord,
I am sorry
for failing
my neighbor.
I am sorry
for ignoring you.
I am sorry.

Yours, Andrea