One Sweet Day

They came in through the front door, busily talking amongst themselves in French. I smiled, handed them the forms to fill out, and pointed where to write their names. One man was writing his date of birth down when he realized that the American way was different, so I took a pen and corrected it for him. They didn't know I understood every single word they said, as they discussed whether to stay for the exam or go to town. They didn't know that replies to their questions were on the tip of my tongue as I tried to revive rusty wheels that barely squeaked, but still moved with the language of my childhood. As they sat in the small waiting room, I inhaled the strong scent of their perfume. Mingled with the familiar sounds, it carried me back over twelve years to even stronger memories.  

Maybe you never really say goodbye for good. . .

He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. ~Zeph 3:17

Have you ever tried to sit still and be truly silent? I tried it the other day and it was really difficult! I'm not sure if it's because I'm a sanguine, or because I'm constantly talking, but here's a look at the thoughts running through my head.

"Okay, I want to be silent now, so I can listen for God's voice. I need to stop thinking. Why am I always thinking? Why is my mind always going a million miles a minute and I'm analyzing and deciding and planning ahead and wondering and figuring things out? Okay, I need to stop thinking. . .I wonder what time it is. I wonder how long I've been sitting here. I should have looked at my watch, but this is ridiculous, because it's not about the length of time, but about focusing on God. I need to focus. . .I wonder if I should turn the heater off? Oh, I need to buy more Braggs, we are out of Braggs, and let's see what else I need, oh yes, I need to make a return to Walmart and buy a pair of good walking shoes. Stop Thinking!. . .Maybe I should drink a glass of water now. I wonder when I should eat my breakfast. I really am feeling sleepy as well. Why is it so hard to be silent? I really need to stop thinking. . .I can't stop thinking!"

It took me a good while to stop the frantic pace of thoughts running around the treadmill of my mind and come to a sense of calmness. When I did, I began to think about the value of spending time with God. Now I am a social person and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am also a talker, so often their patience is tried as they get to listen to me talking a lot. I do listen too, though! But one thing I constantly need is that connection with the people who are close to me. I want to talk, to do things, to share experiences, and just to be around them. Isn't it the same with God?

I wonder if God looks forward to the time that we specifically set aside for Him in our day? I wonder if He is excited when we stop to thank Him for an unexpected blessing, or to ask for His guidance in some matter? I wonder if He is eager for us to see all the special ways He is reaching out to say He loves us, through unique gifts that only we understand and fully appreciate because He knows our hearts?

Somehow I think God is even more excited about connecting with me than I am when I connect with others. Now that is a thought almost too amazing to think. . .

Indescribable

I may have mentioned this before, but one of my strongest desires in life is to understand Who God is and how He views me. There are many ways I catch glimpses of Him and when I do, it just amazes me. It may be through a song, a friend's encouraging words, the beauty of huge snowflakes thickly falling, or someone's kind actions, but every time God speaks, I lean in close to listen.

This morning I caught another glimpse and then I thought, isn't that just how God is? Eagerly waiting, like a little child on the edge of their seat who can hardly sit still, waiting for us to realize He is right there? Isn't He exploding with love for us, excited to show us how much He cares? I'm learning that God is overflowing with blessings and good things for us, not because we deserve it, but because He wants to give us joy. I'm learning that God is a steady Rock in the difficult times, and while He may not keep us from tears, He will hold us through the grief. I'm learning that God is an amazing listener and when we are silent, He speaks comfort, peace and hope to our hearts. I'm learning that God is only good because He is love.

"How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" ~Psalm 139:17