Sunday, October 29, 2017

Dear God,

In tender love and mercy, you weave precious people into our lives.  In their presence we find peace, hope, comfort, kindness, and compassion, great compassion.  They bless us, feed us, and leave their holy mark upon our lives.

Just a week ago you brought to mind one such person, Eleanor, who was my mother's best friend.  Whenever my mother was upset, she walked down the street to sit on Eleanor's stoop.  There she would minister to my mother.  When Mother returned home, she always felt better.

Periodically, you have brought Eleanor into my memory.  For nearly 70 years Eleanor has wandered through the halls of my life journey.  I would always smile, very grateful for her gift to Mom and to us kids.

After visiting my aunt last Sunday, I stopped at Autumn Woods to see Eleanor in the little town where I grew up.  When she rolled up in her wheelchair, I walked over, took her hands and introduced myself.  There sweet Eleanor took my face into her hands and kissed me.  Warmth filled my soul because I felt the kiss of faith. 

This was the same person who told my cousin several weeks ago she could have her heart because it was full of Jesus.  At 89 years of age she didn't need it any longer.  I believe it, her heart is full of Jesus, and it was because of this my mother would seek her out for a word of love and encouragement.

Eleanor and I ate dinner together and then went upstairs to see pictures of her family I had not seen for more than 60 years.  We shared some miracles and then prayed for one another.  You were present there, Lord, you were present there.

Holy God,
thank you
for weaving Eleanor
into my life.
Thank you
for the sweetness
of her faith.
Thank you
for the blessing
she was
and is.
I will always
be grateful
for her life
and her faith.

Love always, Andrea