We went out biking as a family yesterday afternoon: a young couple and their two young children with two grandparents tagging along. Nothing really extraordinary, nothing earth-shaking nor game changing. Yet, I saw God’s hand as the love and the care that made our family possible was silently and without notice being passed on from one generation to the next. Martin and Kathleen, celebrating a beautiful love that that has given birth to Jonathan and Jane who simply basked in the attention and nurturing of their parents as they tested their physical skills and stamina on their bikes. Anabelle and I were contented to just watch from the sidelines, relishing the moments with them and whispering endless sighs of joys and deep gratitude.
I have been in many such situations where the event or the scene just all of a sudden overwhelmed me and I felt God’s presence. I have likewise been blessed with people in my life who have been God’s angels (literally, messengers) of what He wanted me to see, hear and learn: a best friend who taught me what it means to give one’s all in love and service to family and community; a dear friend who taught me commitment by putting aside her personal needs for the sake of her siblings and then still had time and determination to serve God really full time; a spiritual mentor who taught that everything is gift; an esteemed leader who inspired and was able to draw out the best in me; a beloved friend who taught me that friendship is all about presence, a presence that could not be contained by time nor space. And if I still pay closer attention, God is present in a touch freely given, in an embrace lovingly shared, in laughter joyfully echoing through a gathering, even in tears that are shed in compassion and love.
Sometimes, I wonder if I am also God’s messenger to others. Do I show in my life and actions God’s loving presence? Or do I care more about the affirmation I receive than the number of people I am able to help and serve?
Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my name
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.”
John 14:21-24