Saturday, December 12, 2020

Dear God,

As I sat here at my desk, my eyes were drawn to a picture of Marcy, Helen, Teresa and Teresa, Carmelite nuns now residing in Oldenburg, Indiana.  They are the last ones of the Carmelite Order that resided in Indianapolis for decades.

It is not just a picture.  These women are a testimony to the living presence of your spirit in the world.  As I worshipped with them every Wednesday for eighteen years, I was invaded by your living presence week after week.  Their faith captured my heart as I watched them, lived with them for a few days and listened to them during morning prayers and worship.  Their witness changed me, transformed my way of thinking, believing and practicing faith.  They lived love and grace and it spilled over and onto me.

As I reflect upon the gifts of the season, I realize I don't have to wait for Christmas day to unwrap them.  They are already here, unwrapped.  These four women and all their sisters who passed into joyous eternity touched and inspired my life forever.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for the gift

of Advent

and the ways

it directs me

to all

your wonderful gifts.

Thank you

for the sisters

and their faith

and all

they did

to bring me

new life.

Thank you

for the awareness

of them

this morning.

Love, Andrea