In the past twenty-four hours, two individuals have touched my soul in unique ways. In both situations I was caught by surprise. Life has a way of whispering words of hope and guidance when you most need and least expect it. I usually miss these whispers as I am swim in the current and chaos of the day at hand.
The words in the first email were different, yet they reminded me of Paul’s note to friends centuries ago; “I plan to visit you after passing through northern Greece. I won’t be staying long there, but maybe I can stay awhile with you—maybe even spend the winter?” (1 Corinthians 16.5) In my case, it was the opposite. “I will be passing through. It would be great to reconnect if you are available.”
The second email came in out of context. In a networking exchange, two emails came in at the same time for the same individuals. I was going to toss the second, thinking it was a duplicate of the first. In an out of character move, I opened it first. A casual network contact had decided to take a look at my website. The words struck him and in thanks he shared another site that has been helpful to him. The words for today were ones that Life needed me to hear.
I have no idea how many other messages Life is trying to share with me. I do know that I want to listen! The chaos and demands of the day will always be here. In responding to them I hope I am able to listen to what Divinity wants to say to me, in any way S/he chooses to say them. Emails, quiet conversation late into the night, or whatever – I want to hear. I know that it will not always be as easy as it has been with these two. I am struck by the clarity and truthfulness that I found in God’s voice. As I listen, I realize my heart is being touched, changed by shared compassion and community.
