beyond words

Today, Terry and I played golf in Three Forks. It was an overcast but lovely day. I love that course because of all the birds and wildlife around. The clouds were tremendous. I was caught up in the beauty of the scenery. Walking to one of the places to tee off I passed a man. He looked more like a mountain man than a golfer and as we passed each other we spoke a friendly greeting and a few words.
Ok, this is the beyond words part. I just understood how precious and loved by God this man was. And I understood how much God loves our diversity. Don't ask me how I knew that. I just did.
I had an experience like it before once when I was walking in the Philadelphia airport. Packed with people and I knew in a way I can't explain that God deeply loved every one of them individually. I knew I could only "get it" a little bit, certainly was unable to fathom the completeness of His love but even that little understanding was a wonderful thing.
I don't know why God gave me that understanding. But I treasure it and I hope I never deny it.

Timeless

The day Jamie was born was a wonderful day. Mostly because Jamie was born and if you know Jamie you love him and know he is a delight in a number of ways. But the day of his birth was a testimony to me of God's goodness, love and power. Having had difficult births 3 times I was not looking forward to this last delivery. Some weeks before his birth I received from Nancy a scripture from 2nd Timothy. "God does not give us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind." She was thinking about my delivery and felt this might help. The day after Jamie's due date, a Sunday evening after Terry's parents had gone home and Mom had arrived my water broke (the only one of my children who made my water break.) I went to the hospital with Terry since he was on call, sat in his room and watched Jaws during the first couple of hours and then went to the labor and delivery room. During the first part of the labor I used the word "love" as I panted. L-o-v-e It wasn't too bad. During the next part, as it got worse I used the word "power." P-O-W-E-R (definitely needing power) And during the worst part I used the words "sound mind" S-O-U-N-D M-I-N-D since I was loosing mine. I was totally focused. I knew Terry was there for me but I really was so totally determined and intent that I put out any other thought from my mind. I had to.
People around me wondered about all the spelling. It was not easy but I made it through. And now I have Jamie as a great reward.
This morning my pray-as-you-go was about that scripture. Only the version of scripture they used used the words, love, power and self-control. And they used the word "timidity" instead of fear. And that is exactly what I am needing as I prepare for directing reunion. I am always amazed at how good God is and how quickly God blesses us in just the right way. And how wonderful scripture written long ago is a blessing to us even now. Timeless.