ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 15, 2022
Funny moment – Yesterday, Donna and I were walking along the River Walk in San Antonio after a quick lunch. We were on our way back to the hotel in preparation for the activities of the Regional Assembly. Approaching us was a guy who sure looked like Mark Anderson, the President and CEO of the National Benevolent Association. I’ve only known Mark for 38 years, but “Mark lives in Saint Louis,” I thought to myself, “It couldn’t be him.” Of course, it was Mark, and he was in town to represent the NBA at our Regional Assembly. It is always a strange moment when you see someone out of context. Mark was wearing sunglasses, but it wasn’t enough of a disguise to make him look any different.
It’s interesting how your brain can subconsciously talk you out of what is unquestionably true simply because it was out of the ordinary. Those moments make me wonder about the times when God has shown up in unexpected places. (Yes, I am comparing Mark to God, but Mark shouldn’t get too much of an ego boost.) We sort of expect God to be present in certain places or experiences, yet I am left questioning just how many times my brain has subconsciously dismissed a God-sighting because it wasn’t where I assumed God should be. Of course, my belief system tells me that God is everywhere, and so why should I ever be caught off guard or dismiss entirely the presence of God showing up and reminding me of who I am and what I am being called to do?
Eternal God, forever present, make in me a spiritual sense that is able to see you wherever you might be trying to catch my attention. Help me to put aside the silly assumptions that just might have me missing an important moment of your grace and goodness. Amen.
