Sunday, December 17, 2017

Dear God,

Twenty years ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I remember feeling like all the breath had been sucked out of my lungs.  Things went dark as I listened to the physician describe two different kinds of cancer in my breast.  That visit began the beginning of a new journey for me, a spiritual pilgrimage that I continue on today.

That diagnosis pointed me in the right direction to you.  It gave me pause to remember who created me, who sustains and teaches me, and who loves and cares for me.  Those Advent days of waiting drew me closer and closer to you.  I found a new trust, a new love, a new faith as I waited for Christmas and surgery.  We walked so closely together, you and I, and I shall always cherish that holy, mystical time.

Those days of waiting for the surgery showed me a new way to make faith palpable, present and holy.  You led me to new perspectives and understanding.  You made your light shine so brightly that I grabbed onto that light and became one with it.  I began to look for you every day never being disappointed.  I started seeing you in the gentle breeze, in the quiet calm, in the darkness and in the light but also in the midst of chaos and conflict.  I felt your kindly touch and knew your presence daily. 

As I breathe in the air of faith today, I know whose air I am breathing and I am so very, very grateful.

Merciful God,
thank you
for the
remarkable journey
of faith.
Thank you
for the blessings
that come
from knowing you.
Thank you
for that day
all those
many years ago,
for that day
I met you anew.

Love, Andrea