Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Dear God,

It is time to get ready to go home.  That means cleaning the yard and storing away all the summer furniture, kayaks and equipment, putting in the storm door windows, cleaning house, carrying upstairs all the boxes of home-canned fruits and vegetables, packing our bags, putting up all the screens and locking all the windows and doors.  It takes time and is not one of my most fun things to do.  

But there is more to the job that meets the eye.  In the midst of all the work, there are memories that rise up from our time here like visits from family and friends, early sunrises, progress on the spiritual path and in the hermitage, spectacular colorful flowers rising up seemingly out of nowhere, gentle breezes, all things dancing in the wind, morning devotions and quiet times with you.  There is no adequate way to describe the value of each divine encounter during the spring and summer.  My mind is flooded with every good gift you gave this summer especially during difficult times.

As I say goodbye to Maine, I look forward to leaving behind all my anxiety around the pandemic, the political arguments, the losses and sorrows from so many things, the hurts and disappointments and hidden pain on so many levels.  I choose to take with me new hope, anticipation of reuniting with family and friends, being back home in Indiana, preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Epiphany and quiet moments in the glassed-in study where I sit with my circle of friends and do my devotions.  In both my goodbyes and hellos, I remain with you in devotion, study, prayer, meditation, contemplation and joy.

Loving God,

thank you

for what

has been

and what

will be.

Thank you

for the blessings

of summer.

Lead me forward

without the luggage

of the past.

Love, Andrea