Beauty surrounds us, but we usually need to be walking in a garden to know it - Rumi
This world can seem a frightening place. One only needs to pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV to learn of some terrifying event somewhere in the world, whilst using social media will give you instant access to the horrors as they unfold. There may be nothing we can do about the global problems though we often tend to look for happiness in places where it cannot be found. Wealth, power and self-centredness each offer the same empty promises. Closer to home we often have to face up to unpleasant or worrying situations of our own. Sometimes it seems that God has abandoned us left us to cope on our own. But is that really so?
This morning my wife had to attend hospital for a regular treatment session. She has had these sessions several times in the past but any hospital visit can make one apprehensive. In the waiting room sat a rather nervous lady of similar age who was attending clinic for the first time. Whilst she tried not to show it nevertheless she was worried. My wife struck up a conversation with her during which they found they lived in the same neighbourhood and that their children had attended the same school some years ago and so chatted happily. “Do you remember.....?” “Oh yes, and what happened to ....?” And so the conversation went on. So much so that any worries either of them had about their treatment vanished. In fact when the time came for them to be called in neither of them was in any way concerned. No one called His Name or consciously invited Him to be present but in that hospital waiting room that grey morning God was there. He was with both ladies. Just as He was when the doctor said, “Everything seems to be healing nicely. You’ve done very well. In fact, I don’t need to see you anymore. I can discharge you.” He is there too in the garden where the little sparrows are busy eating the insects on the rose bushes oblivious of the horrors of man’s world. God does not live in some richly decorated church building with stained glass windows and icons galore; nor will we only find Him in our Bible Study group or even in our prayers. He pops up in the most unexpected places and often when we least expect Him. As He said: 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIVUK) He is the God who understands us; one who is happy to drop in for a cup of tea or perhaps a plate of fish and chips. He wants to share our lives as our best friend. We give Him praise and thanksgiving and welcome Him in.
2 Comments
Steve Givens
8/8/2016 01:34:29 pm
Beautiful...there is healing, divine power in telling our stories to one another...in allowing God to be present in our exchanged breaths...whether or not we even realize it. This is why the Spirit is the breath of God...
Reply
Simon
9/8/2016 10:39:32 am
Thanks for reminding us Peter. It is so true.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI am an Authorised Local Preacher in an Anglo Catholic parish church, in the Diocese of Essex UK Archives
February 2022
|