Good morning…
As a group of thirty of us are in Israel, guided by my husband Steve, we have traveled two days in the desert, learning essential lessons. When we are stripped down to the core of our being during dry, deserted times, we savor any “strange graces” we happen upon. Small things become big. Breath. Breeze. Shrubs. Shade. Rest. Streams of living water which bubble up before us.
As we are learning sacred lessons in this dry and dusty land, I am reminded of a friend I am praying for back home. Struggling with pneumonia and pleurisy, for a long while she has been fighting for every breath. Recently she texted, “After days of labored breathing this appeared in one of my readings tonight along with this photo in my FaceBook memories. As you say, “God in surround sound.”
During dry desert times, we are reminded of God’s sustaining truths. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4, ESV). The gracious gift of breath is where we all begin, this day and every day of our fragile lives.
Beyond each breath we are invited to take one soulful step deeper. On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him (John 7:37-39a, CEV).
…Sue…
