Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Leadership of Children

I just came from the funeral of a 13 year old, Down's Syndrome boy named Nich. He was the best. He taught me what pure, innocent love looks like. In many ways, he could lead all of us in what it looks like to love in the way of Jesus.

I have determined that if I were to follow Nich's leadership and be more like him, j would actually be doing a pretty good job of also following the leadership of Jesus.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Embracing the Presence

As I was reading in the Gospels this morning, I was struck by the simple, yet extraordinary power of the presence of God.

Zechariah wonders how he and Elizabeth will have a son and Gabriel's answer is, "I stand in the presence of God...!"

Mary wonders how she can become pregnant, and the answer is, "the presence of God will come over you."

Mary goes to visit Elizabeth and the very presence of God in Mary causes John to leap within Elizabeth's womb.

Do I allow the presence of God to change everything around me? Do I recognize that as a follower of Christ and one who has been filled with the Spirit, that the very transforming, earth-shattering, life-altering presence of God is in me? Do I walk and talk differently because I realize that everywhere I set my foot, I am carrying the presence of God with me, and my words are spoken in that presence and often on behalf of that presence?

May I remain mindful today of the Presence!