When We Live in the Language of God

Some of you may know that I have been on a sabbatical this summer.  This has allowed me to worship at a variety of churches.  Today, I was a Methodist.  The message was on prayer.  The pastor had us sit quietly for a couple of minutes.  It was quite nice.  All during this time, a little girl who was sitting with her parents was doing what little kids do: coloring and humming a tune.  She sang the entire time, though softly.  No one batted an eye.  It was quite beautiful, a moment of grace, to be sure.  There she was, probably a 3-year old, sitting in the presence of God and God's people, humming the tune of joy, not being "shushed" for it, and soaking in God's love and grace.

Next, I received an email from a parishioner this week.  She was telling of her 3-year old's song that he had made up.  He had been singing it since coming home from Vacation Bible School a few weeks ago.  Here were his original lyrics:  "Lord God, how many people have you made?  How much have you made? How much have you made?  For us?  Lord God, you made everything for us.  And all of the skies and made trees and food and everything.  You made us.  You made everything for us.  Of course you made everything.  Ohh, you made everything."  I love it!  Again, this little guy has been shown the joy of being in the presence of God.  Not only that, but perhaps his little mind can imagine the truth that God has created everything and that we have been the beneficiaries of God's beautiful creation.

Finally, two of my three kids went off to Bible Camp today.  They have been looking forward to this all summer.  Both agree that it is their favorite thing to do each summer, perhaps even all year long.  Why?  Because they make new friends?  Maybe.  But, is it because they sense the wonderfulness of being in the presence of the God of love there as much or more than any place else?  I believe this to be true.  This is grace.  It is the goodness of God being infused in our very normal, everyday lives.  

I would like to invite you today to be extra-aware of God bringing His gentle, life-giving, joyful love to you this week.  Notice it and point it out.  By doing so, you are speaking the language of faith in God.  That love and grace becomes our language, then, as well, and we live in God's way.  Peace to you.