Acts of God

When I hear the term “acts of God” my mind flashes with images of unending storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and typhoons!  If I can get past these images I find sink holes, dust storms, nor-easters, blizzards, and hail coming into focus.  It seems that business only sees god in the ugly and unimaginable. 
 
In contrast, when I look out of the window of my soul I see acts of God in a very different light.  It is as if a dream has come to life!  I hear a voice over giving words to what I can quite put to words.  “A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse's stump, from his roots a budding Branch.  The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, the Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.” (Isaiah 11.1, 2)
 
I find acts of God everywhere I look in life.  In the virtual word support comes from places you least expect it.  Friends emerge, sharing support and encouragement even though we live in physical communities words apart.  In the community in which I walk, I find people reaching out to others, sharing a smile and the gift of caring.  Even in the midst of heart aches, overwhelming obstacles, and uncertainty, there are acts I can only describe as being from God.  Divine acts realized in the lives of our communities; unselfish gifts of compassion, unmerited gifts of forgiveness, and unearned gifts of mercy.  Those involved are truly God’s children.
 
Today as the sun comes up over New York’s East River I wonder if I realize the opportunity which sits in my hand and yours.  We can be participants with the Divine.  We can change the course of human history.  We can be forces of good.  We can be the unexpected surprise gifts in the lives around us.  We can be acts of God.
 
Disasters, uncertainty, and disease flood your life and mine.  These do not need to control our actions.  We have God’s freedom.  Just imagine.