Friday, February 6, 2026

Dear God,

This year I celebrate my 80th birthday.  Not one interested in a focus solely on me, I have been pondering on ways to acknowledge my 80 years that would be uplifting, caring and inspirational.  I am considering my birthday celebration as a time of giving away.

My family used to tell me about my first year of life.  As the first child born into my family group, I was much loved, passed around to be held and given gifts.  I received so much my first year of life.  As I consider the other decades, I remember teachers, neighbors, my mother's friends and others who blessed my life with kindness, love and help. 

Through my thirties and forties when I was a single mother and a student, there were those who encouraged me, offered me wisdom and grace and blessed me in so many ways as I navigated first-time experiences of college and seminary.  I had people who believed in me that I could do what I thought impossible.

The last forty years have been a time of special inspiration as I offered ministry through preaching, counselling and leading retreats.  The trust people gave me still brings tears to my soul.

So, now, at this place in my life, I want to offer others gifts I have received.  I want to give away kindness, compassion, love, special gifts and joy.  I want to add more love and peace into the cosmos.  I don't know how that all works.  What I do know is in this chaotic, divisive time, that love, peace, hope, light and joy are needed and I want to give that to people near and far away for all are family, all are precious and all are beloved.

O God,

when we listen,

we can hear

your voice.

When we hear,

we can follow

your idea,

your hope,

and your will

for our lives.

When we follow,

we can 

be filled

with great delight

and joy.

Yours forever and ever, Andrea