A Note of Gratitude

Beloved,

I want to express my gratitude for Your Presence this weekend.  As I traveled north for a couple of days, You used the time to clear the air.  You filled my lungs with the Breath of Your Spirit and wrapped Your arms about me through the embraces from my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I am incredibly thankful for this breath of fresh air and the peace You gave me during this time.  I am filled with joy in the presence of my brother and sisters who have prayed with me for many years.  Snuggling on the couch, mulling over the life questions, wondering together what You are in the midst of doing in our lives, and allowing the questions to linger -- without simple platitudes or easy answers, without context-less Scripture passages and promises that have no backing -- simply listening together to Your silence.  That is exactly what I needed.

I am thankful.

For the music and the prayers and the welcome of my St Thomas family, for the love and the joy and the smiles, for the way You met me in the bread and the wine and the arms of my brothers and sisters, I am very thankful.  I wept with joy at the Eucharist table.  My spirit danced in the midst of the crowd.  I could have sprouted wings and flown to the rooftops in the breaking of bread and pouring forth of the wine.

Thank You for meeting me there.

Thank You for bringing me home.

Thank You.

Thank You.

Thank You.

In a Sea of Questions

Beloved,

Today my husband lost his job.

I haven't a clue what to say.

I am floundering in a sea of questions.  Tumbling in the dryer of life.  Flattened by the steamroller of sadness.

What will we do?

What will You do?

Dear Lord, have mercy...

Political Pondering

Beloved,

As I sit here wondering whose face will represent our country for the next four years, I wonder what You think of all this political craziness and upheaval.  I wonder if any of the potential leaders have the humility and depth of character to look to You for real guidance.  How many nation leaders spend time in meditation and focusing of their life-force energy which flows forth from Your own Spirit?

What would happen if we all desired peace above war, life above death, hope above fear and love above hate?

What if these were the values we looked for in a leader?  How might the world be different?

What would it take for our country to shine like the stars in the heavens, and to be light and a healing balm for the world?

You alone know.

A Glimmer of Light

Beloved,

Thank You for this sweet family I nanny for!  They left me a special thank you love note this morning. And it made my day.

I had woken up particularly angry and depressed this morning.  I simply wanted to crawl back into bed with my husband, but I got up anyway because I am needed.  And I came to work and discovered a random note of gratitude from the mother I nanny for.

You, O Lord, knew how much I needed this note of thanksgiving today.  Despite my lack of understanding regarding my present calling, You are finding ways to help me feel purpose.  I am so thankful for the way you are speaking to me through this family.  What a gift they are to me!

Thank You, Beloved, for this glimmer of light and hope in the darkness that has been.

Thank You for this love.