The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
Numbers 6:25
Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” John 20:21
Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” John 20:21
I went to a high school track meet yesterday to cheer on my son and his teammates, but only the fact that Dan was scheduled to run in the finale event kept me anchored to my chilled aluminum bleacher seat through the whole contest. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy watching the competitive sprints, the aerial pole vaulting, or the punishing 3200 meter run. All of the kids’ achievements were worthy of ovation.
No, the tough thing about being out there last evening was the raucous wind pummeling the already cool air and taking it down my degrees. By perching high enough up in the stands to get a good look at the finish line, I also set myself up to be pierced by the icy blasts that persisted even though the sun never gave up shining. With gloves on, coat zipped, and hood up, still my teeth chattered.
But then, for about four and a half minutes—only the amount of time it took for one speedy runner to complete one lap of the oval—the wind ceased. The wind ceased and the persistent sunshine immediately heated me to the point where I had to shed the outerwear and tilt my head back to receive the glorious warmth.
Is this what it feels like in the soul when God’s face is shining, when God is being gracious? Is this what it feels like in the spirit when God is offering a blessing? Could be. Could be.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
As I catch up on the last couple of days FB and these Devotions, I am reminded how warming friends and family's comments can be. Hospital's are inherently cold places but though the magic of wireless internet I can be touched by multitudes of brothers and sisters in Christ without anyone walking through the cold doors of TCH in Dennison Ohio. That is wonderful for me feeling the outpouring of God's sprite and offering blessings to this poor sinner. Thank you Christine for reminding us all that God's blessings are everywhere!
ReplyDeleteSigrid says - as i do - Love it! thanks Christine!!
ReplyDeleteDon--I'm never quite sure why I'm writing and posting what I write and post, but inevitably something I say seems to speak to someone somewhere. Who knew anyone would be reading this stuff at 3:30AM from a hospital room?! God's hand just has to be in this.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this warmed your heart while you were in THC, and I'm even more glad that your heart will be warmed in your own home tonight. Speedy recovery and God's blessings to you.