I always wanted God to show Himself in a blaze of glory, yet as I grow older God is in the little things or moments. My last reflection contained observations made while on a remote outing. All the smaller rocks were rounded off and one would think “Why bother with little rocks”? Yet how did they get here? Well, down the hill from my vantage point is a large dry river bed. Or is it? It is probably a result of glacier activity – the same glacier activity that rounded off the little rocks. One might say, “Who cares”? That was a long time ago. Or, is it still happening now, and we are right in the middle of the changing? What about changing in our lives? My life? Is it moving at a glacial pace? Or is it like the big jets flying over me as I look out?
Karen and I left for Santa Barbara, California the Thursday before Christmas, we were planning to stop in Santa Paula for lunch with friends. Also, on that the same day there was torrential rain along the California coast. We found ourselves in the middle of it. What one person might say, “What a nuisance!” – another might say, “What a blessing”! What Karen and I pondered was what an amazing water delivery system God has provided. Even storing water in the form of snow and ice for future deliveries.
Our lunch with friends was especially interesting because the host couple recently built a new home. They are very proud of it and enjoyed sharing it with us. So where is God in having lunch with friends? As I said earlier, it is in the small things – camaraderie, warm conversation. You know the time is special when you don’t want to leave.
Family – this Christmas son Michael who lives in Santa Barbara wished to host. All of Karen’s side of the family were present, including her prior husband, Bill. I can’t say any particular moment stood out, yet there was a warmth over our time together. We choose to see a lack of drama as God time.
Karen and I will be in Spain soon to finish walking the Northern Camino. We will hike for three weeks before arriving at Santiago de Compostela. Karen is looking forward to pondering her future as she prepares for retirement later this year. She has worked in her career for more than 35 years. Her plate on the walk will be full. What will I be doing? Just wandering along with Karen? Perhaps, some pondering is in order for me too? What will the autumn of my life look like? How will our God continue to work in me? How will God be present in your life?