I received the sacrament of confirmation when I was in the eighth grade. During our preparation, I spent a lot of time trying to visualize the Holy Spirit. Of course, the image of a descending dove was in the forefront of my mind, but I had another image that really symbolized how the Holy Spirit could be everywhere and touch everyone at the same time......wind. In my mind, I can see a billowy cloud with a face, cheeks puffed out blowing the wind...the Holy Spirit into the air. This image has also stuck with me through the years.
A few weeks ago, on our overnight trip to Gold Head State Park, I heard the voice of God in the wind! I really don't know if it was an audible voice or not. I know it was LOUD and I know I heard it in my heart and my mind. Very early in the morning, Dan had taken the kids on a walk. I was sitting alone on the screened porch, drinking my coffee. It was quiet....oh so quiet! The quiet that I long for! The only sound I heard were the birds chirping, a distant frog croaking.....and the wind. Did you know that you can actually see wind? You can. If you sit very still, and watch the trees...you can see it coming! You can follow it from yards and yards away. It comes closer...sometimes fast, sometimes slow. But it comes. The trees and leaves sing it's arrival. As I saw it coming, I closed my eyes. I heard the wind say...."I Am Here. I Am here in the midst of this place, in the midst of your life. I Am here in the midst of your laughter and your tears, your sorrow and your joy. I am here in the midst of your cancer, in the midst of your mothering. I Am in the midst of every breath you take. I AM Here and I love you!"
It was a very profound moment for me. It was a gift. A special moment between the God who called me into being and my depleted soul. God breathed life into me again, And now, during the difficult times, I breathe deeply the loving, life giving wind of the Holy Spirit!
The next time you have the chance....watch the wind. Hear the wind. Allow the Holy Spirit to wrap His loving arms around you and breathe life into you. In this quiet, your soul will be refreshed.
6 comments:
How beautiful, Nancy! Thanks for the reminder!
I don't know if I can explain this but I want to try. This gift to you has become a gift to me - going where you were by way of your stunning description. You've also taken me back to the world of my own childhood wonder... And even also to retreat time in the woods once where I discerned something similar just days before my interior conversion to Catholicism. I see everything, all of it. Somehow I'm at all of these places - at once - and all else is just washed away for a time.
Stunning, Nancy, just stunning. And quieting. I was right there with you, taken away and aloft in your words.
All of which puts me on my knees in thanksgiving.
And I thank you :) .
hello. what a beautiful psot. it reminded me of the famous, "Be still and know that I AM." I love your beautiful bog, and the wonderful things you have to say.
You want funny first and then serious? Okay ... I have always pictured God EXACTLY as you do, but I must make note that your photograph does not show a woman with white hair!!! LOL!
Seriously, though, like the story of seeing the wind, I can sit on my patio and as you say, actually see the wind approaching, watching as it flows, following it's path that reminds me of a "domino effect" ... I am usually praising God for such beauty; I would love to hear Him at that moment. Perhaps I have not been quite still enough .. this is a really beautiful story, Nancy.
Thank you also for your encouragement and prayers.
Love,
Abbey
Wow you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for the beautiful image and reminder that He is here always.
God is most Excellent.
Wonderful post.
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