“We often hear God's voice through one another. Perhaps
someone who knows us well speaks just the word we need to hear in a way we can
grasp. Perhaps a complete stranger appears at a crucial moment with a word of
encouragement, guidance, or warning. Although most of us are unaware of being
used as vehicles of grace for others, God surrounds us with personal messengers
every day.”
---Marjorie J. Thompson. Soul Feast: An Invitation to the
Christian Spiritual Life (Kindle Locations 584-586). Kindle Edition.
There are times when we just plain need to stop, turn off
all the distracting devices, and talk to people. We spend so much time relying on impersonal
communication styles, experiencing moments of miscommunication or not giving
full attention and relationships suffer.
We blame our busy-ness, our intense schedules, being pulled in multiple
directions and our weariness for our lack of ability to really connect.
We have to stop.
We need to stop.
God speaks through so many people in our lives and, like the
wife of the adult Peter in the film, Hook, says, “You’re missing it.”
I’m just as guilty. I’m
probably one of the worst offenders, actually.
When I stop and look in the face of another and listen to the whole of
the communication, I become enrapt in the stories and able to participate more fully
in what a gift these moments are. When I
stop, I gain much more insight into the way God is speaking to me. And these encounters with people, both
strangers and beloveds and everyone in between, are moments of conversation
with God.
Dear Heavenly One, be with us as we do the business at the
convention of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. Be ever present as relationships are
developed and fostered in this family reunion of sorts. Help us experience your love through the many
conversations, hugs and prayers. Amen.