Monday, December 30, 2024

Dear God,

We are near the end of 2024 and I am counting my blessings.  Although this has been one of the most grueling years of my life, I look backward and I see your living presence everywhere...in the operating rooms, in the retreat house, on the planes, in the car, in family conflicts, in tears and sorrow, in despair and hopelessness.  You have been the source of hope, insight and wisdom for me.  When I was in chaos, you brought me peace.

Even though life is not what I want it to be, I still see your hand daily in my life.  I awaken each morning to the newness of life.  My ability to rise and work, rest and read is because of you.  Staying in the present helps me keep my eye on you instead of looking in the rear to all the hard stuff or ahead with uncertainty.  What I have discovered is you are in my past, in my present and in my future even before I arrive.  This has been my greatest gift of this old year.

Thank you,

Merciful God,

for your

gracious presence

in my life.

And what

I know

for sure

is if

you are

in my life daily

then you

are in

every life daily.

May we

all give thanks,

dear God.

Love, Andrea