I Saw God Today

“Praise ye the Lord…

for the Lord taketh pleasure in His people” (Psalm 149: 1a & 4a).

Greetings in Christ,

I saw God today.

No, it was not as dramatic as Moses’ encounter before the burning bush (Exodus 3). But I promise, it was equally profound as Jeremiah’s revelation watching clay transform in the skilled care of the potter’s hands (Jeremiah 18).

I stopped by my daughter’s home unannounced… knocked on the door, and when no one answered, I let myself in. The house was a buzz of excitement. My daughter was cleaning her room to the sound of Casting Crowns playing loudly in the background. The boys were engrossed in a video game occupying the TV screen… and Andi… little Andi Hope was just sitting on the couch watching a video on her tablet. No one heard me knock… no one heard me come in. As I peeked around the corner, Andi looked up… our eyes met, and immediately she discarded her tablet.

Carefully she maneuvered her little two-year old legs off that giant couch. Once her little feet were safely on the ground, she shouted, “PAPA!” With a running start, she flung herself into the air. Instinctively, I stooped down to catch her. As she threw her arms around my neck; my heart was full. I lingered in the moment as long as the moment lasted.

We then sat down in a chair, as she began to tell me about her day. Not sure I understood all that was said… something about “Dr. Barbie” and all the sick babies… but they’re “all better now.” Something about a sippy cup I could not understand, but mom makes a great translator, and together we soon got “that” all figured out.

Eventually it was time to leave, and as I drove home, my mind started to wonder. That’s when I saw God! I had stopped because that’s my job… a temporary pause in the chaos of life to remind my grandchildren they are always loved! But as I reflected on the events of the afternoon, I soon realized I had received far more than I gave. The light in her eyes, the excitement in her voice, and the lingering hug that said she never wanted to let me go… all worked together to fill my cup to overflowing; forcing joy to trickle out the corner of my eyes.

Starring at the images flooding my mind, I begin to think of my most recent encounters with the Father, both corporate and private… when did I cease running to His arms with abandoned excitement? When did I cease telling Him of my day with so much joy the words just kinda jumbled up together, requiring the Holy Spirit to intervene as translator? I wonder, when was the last time I put a smile on the face of God just because I was so eager to be in His presence?

I saw God again today… and this time, I’m almost certain I saw Him smile!

Together in His service,

Bro. Tim