Saturday, August 3, 2024

Dear God,

The day was simply too hot and humid to eat outside so I set up tables and chairs inside for 19 people.  With food aplenty sitting out on the kitchen counters, there was food for everyone.  As we gathered around tables in the kitchen, dining room and entryway, we ate, talked, laughed, shared and reminisced.  It was truly wonderful to gaze upon family members, some whom I grew up with more than 70 years ago.

Halfway through our time together, I asked everyone to pose for a family photo.  After all the smiles and picture-taking, I asked everyone to remain in place while I shared a few words.  I only spoke about three minutes but I urged each one to defy the forces that seek to divide us in our country and world.  

Especially during this election season, there is a tremendous push to divide loved ones over politics, beliefs, policies, means of conduct and decision-making.  Families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and strangers in the grocery store have argued, split and severed relationships over the simplest things.  To my way of thinking, we have all lost.  There has been no winners.

As I spoke, I saw a number of heads nodding in agreement with a couple offering an amen.  At that moment I was certain you smiled.

Compassionate God,

you give us families

where we

are loved

and we

love back.

Thank you

for that

most gracious

of gifts.

Thank you

for calling us

back to you

and one another.

Lead us all

always to

your table

of love

and peace.

Yours, Andrea