Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Dear God,

What is the value of one life if it is given only to itself? 

Each day I am tempted to live for myself only.  I like my thoughts, my beliefs, my practices, my understanding and my will.  I have drawn my own conclusions about life and how it is to be lived.  Therefore, I tend to think my way is the way.  Oh my, to even confess those words.  But isn't it true for all of us, O Lord?  Isn't it?

As I sit with my new circle of friends like Henri Nouwen, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ann Voskamp, John Ortberg, St. Paul and St. James, David the psalmist and the Carmelites, I listen more carefully to their words, truths, hopes, dreams, confessions, disappointments and faith and I find more and more to consider, to reflect upon, to accept, to believe, and to help me adjust the many areas of my life that need adjusting.  They stretch me, challenge me, move and inspire me, make me think and cause me to apologize, confess, and change.  There is so much of me that needs transforming.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for bringing me
such inspiring friends.
Thank you
for their honesty,
authenticity,
their faith,
their questions,
and their stories.
By your power,
through their lives,
melt me,
mold me,
fill me,
use me.

Love, Andrea