Friday, September 21. 2012

Dear God,

How are we to know when we recognize you in human living?  What must happen in order for us to become aware of your living presence?  How can we connect to you?

As you know months ago I was asked to design a program for our church based on the life and ministry of Jesus.  I was too sick to respond early on so I let it go from my mind.  When our pastor asked me about it, I asked her to give me a few days.  It was in a dream that the scenes came to mind.  As I listened and watched, I saw his life unfold.  I saw why we Christians call him savior, comforter, teacher, and friend.  As I began to write down the events I wanted to include, I began to feel him stirring within me.

Over the course of a month I worked with a retired television producer.  I told him what I wanted and he agreed to photograph and produce.  As we gathered each time with characters in costume in the desired locations, I began to see hints of your spirit at work. Each person seemed in tune with your spirit.  How easily they fell into the role.  Finally it all seemed to come together.  But would it work in the sermon and with it?  Would people get in touch with you?  Would they be inspired to faith?  Would they recognize you?

Last Sunday I got the answers to my questions.  All during the video the people were still, even the children except one little three-year-old boy who seemed to remind us of our humanity.  People were awed with what they saw and heard.  They seemed to make the leap from characters in costume to the man of the cross just as I prayed they might.  But who has the power to make that happen?

It was just last night at choir practice when I finally understood what had taken place.  One choir member was hailing our efforts by sharing news from her family nearly a thousand miles away who was deeply moved by watching it on U Tube.  But it was Judy, a cancer survivor who spoke u.  "It was Jesus and we knew him."

Ever-Present God,
thank you
for touching us
again and again.
Thank you
for opportunities
to get
in touch
with your
Holy Spirit.
Thank you
for reminding us
to trust you,
to follow
your leading,
and to live
as people
of faith
always living
in anticipation
of your
spirit presence.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
with every sighting!

Love, Andrea