“So, sometimes I get a really strong but quick feeling of happiness,” he says. “Like the other day, when I watched the wind blowing the cedar boughs. I felt a burst of happy feeling. What is that? Why does that happen?”
We are snuggled on the couch, sharing a fleece blanket, our books open on our laps.
“Well, when that happens to me, I tend to think it’s God,” I say, nudging my glasses down on my nose so I can look at Noah over the frames. “You know, God is with us all the time, but I think sometimes he makes himself extra noticeable, sort of as a way to tell us to pay attention. I think those happy moments that come out of nowhere are God.”
Our conversation reminds me of an experience I had about a year ago, just after my father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. It was the Christmas season, but I was so angry, bitter and sad, my heart was hardened against joy. All I felt during those dark days was the weight of grief.
One night, as I stood at the kitchen sink with an apron around my waist and a stack of dirty dishes on the counter and my arms elbow-deep in soapy water, I felt an inexplicable flash of joy. And I knew instantly it was God, making his presence known to me, assuring me that despite the darkness, despite the fact that we were walking in the shadow of death, we would be okay. We would laugh and celebrate and find joy again.
Such was the case with Peter, John and James when they hiked with Jesus up the mountain to pray. I imagine the mood that day was somber. Just days before, Jesus had told his disciples that he would suffer, be killed and be raised from the dead — news that must have been terrifying and confusing for them. I suspect they were bewildered, unsure of themselves and afraid, perhaps even wavering in their faith or questioning their decision to follow Jesus. I imagine that hike up the mountain was a quiet one, as each man contemplated Jesus’ dire prediction, dread and fear creeping into the pits of their stomachs. Perhaps they, too, felt like they were journeying into the shadow of death.
At the top of the mountain Peter, John and James inexplicably fell asleep while Jesus prayed and as “the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Luke 9:29) Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus, and “they were glorious to see.” (9:31). When the disciples awoke, they were shocked to see “Jesus’ glory,” with Moses and Elijah standing next to him. Amazed, the three disciples scrambled to process the unbelievable sight.
Jesus understood that his disciples needed to be shaken awake. He understood that they needed to stop, stand still and take notice. And just as Jesus knew his beloved disciples needed a jolt of joy and reassurance, he knows when we, too, need to be awakened to his constant presence.
We don’t always experience God’s presence in such a dramatic way, in the magnitude of a transfiguration or in the midst of dark grief. Sometimes God shows himself on an ordinary day, in a seemingly ordinary way. Like in the hallowed hush of wind through cedar boughs.
Can you think of a time when God stopped you in your tracks and made his presence known? How can you make a practice of catching more of these moments?
Linking with Ann Voskamp and her Wednesday series on the Practice of Radical…because seeing God on an ordinary day, in a seemingly ordinary way, is radical indeed:
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I love your chat with your son. I think for me the key is building some quiet time into my day — sitting outside for a bit or listening to music in the car on the drive home. When I slow down and break out of my routine, it’s easier to hear His still small voice.
Being outside in his creation is key. Noah is a nature lover, too, which is why he tends to see God in the trees, birds, sky, etc. Breaking out the routine is key…
Yes, I can think of such a time. Recently. In the midst of my father’s treatments for lung cancer.
I am praying for you and your dad, Laura.
I am so glad that at times we can almost “FEEL” a Hug from God. A moment of joy for certain. Your son is experiencing his own sweet times of Joy with God and it is so good that he shares with you and you with him.
Sometimes I think it would be helpful to get hit over the head or have a flashing sign saying, “This is the path God wants you to take.” But I do try to look for God in the ordinary things – a walk, a friend and even during chaotic middle school choir. So I definitely relate to your wind in the cedars moment. Thanks for hosting, Michelle.
Oh yeah, I’d take the hit-over-the-head option any day! One time I was driving down the highway in Minnesota and I saw a billboard that said something like, “I am God. And I am real,” and I was like, ‘Yeah!! That’s more like it, God — you know I need a billboard to grab my attention!”
I’m reading Karen Swallow Prior’s “Booked,” and she talks about God showing up in the chapter on Tess. It’s unexpected, and it doesn’t produce the result you might think, but it’s something she remembered and wrote about years later. I think that counts.
I love this line, “Sometimes God shows himself on an ordinary day, in a seemingly ordinary way. Like in the hallowed hush of wind through cedar boughs.”
And yes, those moments when God meets us where we are and helps us know He’s near, He’s here, are the most glorious. The moments may only last minutes, but the effect — a lifetime. He longs to walk with us, no matter where this journey may take us. Thank you for this beautiful reminder.
Oh that our gracious God is right here, in our average, ordinary, mundane moments of every day! Such refreshment in this truth. The awaking of the knowledge that we don’t need to climb mountains or huddle in despair to encounter the Lord or share in the communion we have with Him. He is here. Now. This very moment. Near us. In us! Thank you for this reminder, sweet friend! So timely!
Thank you so much for hosting this Linky party today. I really appreciate it!! Have a wonderful day!!
What a beautiful moment you had with Noah. And you spoke great truth to him. Yes, often God speaks to us in whispered moments, and He interjects joy in unexpected ways. I was last surprised by Him when standing outside at 10 PM, holding a flashlight, while my husband tried to dig our car out of a snow drift where it had “glided” on our way home. The cold, crisp air – the starlit sky – I felt a rush of joy. Invigorated by the hush of God’s whisper…”I AM here.”
GOD BLESS!
“A strong but quick feeling of happiness” — that is SO sweet. You have sweet boys, Michelle.
My challenge has been to bring the lessons of the last year into the everyday. When He is all you have, you grasp tightly, hold close. When life loosens up, it’s all too easy to loosen my grip on Him and His wonder and grace. I’m concentrating on dragging the lessons from tough moments into the ordinary days.
I love your talks with your kids. Such a reassuring post this it. Encouraging too. Thanks Michelle
Michelle, I JUST had that experience yesterday in church – when God stopped me in my tracks & made Himself known!! In fact, that’s my post. Such a sweet experience – whether that quick burst of joy, or a gentle whisper. Often in the middle of something less than positive, but always amazing! Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you. Hugs,
Michelle 🙂
What a sweet and precious moment to share with your son, Noah…Yes, those grace moments, when God lets us experience His presence, which is always there as you pointed out, in a tangible way…funny, but I wrote about that today 🙂 Blessings to you, Michelle 🙂
I had a flash of His Peace settle upon me last week. He spoke to me to just sit for a minute in that living-room chair. Sit and be still… and suddenly I became overwhelmed with a peace I haven’t felt in a long time. So long, I’d forgotten what it felt like. It made me want more. Thanks for your words and the reminder that He shows up with His joy and peace, too, at unexpected moments. How He loves us…
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