"God of Life, happy are all who trust in you!"

Yesterday was a day of twists and turns, a day of surprises and unexpected moments of grace.  I had done some work in the office, spent time at a meeting and then decided I needed to go to Staples for a desk light.  Before I go on, let me be clear, I did not need to go to Staples and I found out I didn't need a desk light.  In retrospect, I wanted to take a drive with the dog and listen to my book in the car.  Relax and free my brain up a bit.

I am here to tell you that the Staples in Rochester no longer carries desk lights.  Who knew?  That seemed like a no brainer to me.  But as each day goes by and I become a day older, I come to know more deeply that what I consider obvious to me is often not reality for others.  What I did come to believe that I was meant to run into a young man that works there.  In my disbelief that there were no desk lights I asked for assistance.

As we began to look throughout the store for these lights he began to tell me his story.  He sells baseball cards and he too needs a light on his desk.  Actually, he is legally blind and is 5 or 6 years free of a brain tumor.  With a big smile and exuding joy, he looked up at me and said, "you wouldn't have guessed, huh? "

Before you picture me being drawn into this story with interest or enthusiasm, let me set you straight.  Sometimes with God's help I am able to act in a loving and appropriate way, when inside my head, I am thinking, " Hello, I'm glad your happy and well, but I just want my light and really don't want to hear another story today."  We continued to walk and it had already become clear that there were no lights in the store.  I thanked him very much for his help and thanked him for sharing his story and wished him a great day.  I turned to the right and began looking at something else.

Approaching on my left is my new friend.  He stopped and began the story in full detail, beginning in 2007.  I am now thinking, this man is full of joy, he is telling me his story of grace and healing, I am supposed to be hearing this story.  Listen, be still, honor the story.  Telling on myself again, while I am thinking these things I am also thinking, I just wanted to come in and shop, by myself, looking at whatever I want, taking as long as I want.  My new friend looks at me with joy and gratitude and says, " I believe in having a good attitude and being kind, life is very short and I am grateful.  If you ever think telling my story could help anyone, go for it.  That's what I do."

God's unrelenting love for me is the very place that I find hope and solace.  Even on the days when I am not wanting to hear it.  Even on the days when I think my "God" time would never be in Staples, I am surprised.

Later in the afternoon, I was surprised by another work related issue.  One of the sayings that many of us have heard is, "If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.".  I learned years ago to pray for God's will to be done, not mine.  The task of course is to step back, be present in our lives and look for God in the most unexpected places.  Yesterday, God told me a story of hope, healing and joy in Staples, in Rochester, NH. Yesterday, God showed me how we can "do" church in the world in ways that surprise and startle others.  Even those of us that profess to be faithful.

During this period of Lent I continue to pray for God's help and guidance in my life.  I am working on being present in my body, by eating well, most of the time, by picking up the piano again and by doing some piece of art on a regular basis.  The above is a piece I did this morning.  It is a method called Zentangling.  It is a form of doodling and meditation.  I find it very soothing and centering.  I will put the website in the resourse section to the right.

Below is an interpretation of Psalm 84, written by Joan Chittister.  I read this before I began to draw and after I finished.  I offer it to you on this day.

Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place, God of Life.
I am longing and yearning, yearning for your presence.
My whole being cries out to you; to you, the living God.

Even the sparrows find a home
and the swallows, a nest for their young
As for me, I search for you,
God of Life, Eternal One.

All who dwell in your presence forever sing your praise.
The hearts of all whose strength is in you
are set on Zion’s path.

As they make their way through the valley of bitterness,
They make it a place of running springs.
The early autumn rains cloth it with blessings,
they walk with ever growing strength.
They will see you, God of Zion;
God of life, hear my prayer; listen, God of Israel.

Turn to us, God, our refuge;
look on the face of your anointed.

One day within your house
is better than a thousand without you.
The threshold of your house
I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.

You are our source of strength.
You give us your favor and glory.
You will not refuse any good
to all who walk in sincerity.

God of Life, happy are all who trust in you!