Friday, September 20, 2024

Dear God,

In the slow pace of listening on retreat with you and you alone, you enabled me to see visions of your past faithfulness to me, you brought healing music to my soul, and you invited me to let my eyes wander in this 200-square-foot hermitage.  What a beautiful way to enter into this quiet silence with you, my loving God and kind redeemer.

My eyes fell on items that held special significance, painted clay objects fashioned by a daughter and two grandchildren, a side antique table from a loving aunt, a washstand belonging to my godly grandmother given to me by a favorite aunt, a framed picture, created by two friends, of woven words I wrote in my letters to God when I was on renewal leave, a slate Celtic cross from Wales given to me by a good friend and a singing bowl from a granddaughter.  As I gazed upon these cherished treasures, I felt the love of each one, prized loved ones and I thought of how we are empowered to see when we are not blinded by all the troubles we hold in our soul on a daily basis.

Holy, holy, holy

are you,

Loving God,

thank you

for every gift

of your love.

Thank you

for silence

that teaches

and wows

and loves.

All my love

to you.

Yours, Andrea