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 Here are some stories we have recently collected. They are examples of seemingly minor or major moments when someone discovered God in their life. "We were in the basement where my daughter had wisely arranged an office and a playroom. So when she had work to do, the kids would be right there playing. It was comfortable and easy. One day, when I was baby-sitting my grand-daughter, we pulled up a couple of chairs next to the computer and she showed me all the amazing skills that kids have today when it comes to computers. She outdid me for sure, and she was only six years old. But in the midst of her demonstrating her prowess with that complicated machine, she reached over and, without saying a word, she took my hand and simply held it. We stayed in silent, hand-holding communication for what may have been just a few moments. But it was like an eternity of connection in one tiny package of time. No words were necessary; only the touch of people who love each other. I think God is like that....always reaching out to hold our hand, without words, but with the Mystery and simplicity of love and connection and healing." "My grandson was only two years old, but he carried that marvelous wisdom that only the very young possess. We were in my office where he loved to play. It was a special place of paper and pencils, files and drawers - a magic place for this energetic bundle of pure energy. On this particular day, he looked at me solemnly and declared that we had a brand new game to play. We sat on the floor together and I asked him what the name of our new game would be. 'Mom and Dad' was his immediate answer. When I looked puzzled, he said, "I'll show you." Then he demonstrated his wonderful creation. He would pick up an object in the room and bring it to me while I was on the floor. My job was to 'ooh and aah' over each gift, thanking him for the pleasure of his choice and telling him what a wonderful gift it was. It was enough that I treasured each gift, nothing more. In those few moments of time, we devoted ourselves exclusively to giving and receiving. Each time we played 'Mom and Dad' the room became a holy place, a place filled with love and peace. I can't explain it. It just happened." Giving and Receiving are always elements of our relationship with God. When we receive the gift of God present in our lives, it is necessary for us to give that gift away to someone else. God's presence in the world is dependent upon each of us sharing the gift of God with others. When we pass the gift on, we are already opened to God's next gift. Thus as we give, we automatically receive more and God's presence grows. "My husband was very ill... we were living in New Jersey. We had young children and he was facing serious cancer surgery. I felt alone and didn't know what to do. I went to the chapel at the hospital. I sat down and thought, what do I do now? I sat there for a while, and then I said, "God, there's no way I can convince you to do what I want you to do. I want him to be well but it's up to you. Please help me to get through it and help the kids. I don't know your plan. Please just help me get through this." He was totally cured. There were lots of prayer groups praying for him. But somewhere in the process, he knew there was a greater power at work for him. It changed him completely." Often it is our ability to "surrender" our situation to God and let go of the outcome we want that allows room for God to enter our lives and transform them. When God becomes "real" to us, all of life is transformed in directions that are always healing in nature. Even situations of disease, where there is no cure, may become transformed into situations where healing takes place when God becomes part of the experience. |
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