Thursday, December 10, 2020
Be still, and know that I am God. . . The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalm 46: 10-12
So the question for the Advent season for this year is: "Where has God come near you?" He comes near so often and sometimes we miss it because we are too busy to notice.
When I am quiet, I notice His presence more often. However, He doesn't give up on me and comes in the midst of the noise and chaos of these uncertain times, even when a lot of the noise is in my own head.
Although I run specific errands as needed, keeping in mind social distancing and masking, I still experience anticipatory anxiety before I go. I get overwhelmed with the feeling of too much going on.
We have a wonderful post office, but if it is crowded, I tend to come back at another time. On one recent visit, I had packages which I had to send, so I had no choice but to wait in line. I had forgotten to take my walking stick which helps me when I have to stand for a while. I started to get shaky, and a very nice lady who was socially distanced behind me could tell that I was getting "hinky.” She calmly asked, "Are you okay?" I told her I was a bit shaky. She calmed me down with her faith-filled voice and said, "If I can help in any way, let me know. It's gonna be okay." Although we could only see one another's eyes since we were both masked, she had kind eyes. (By the way, she had on a leopard print mask that I really liked). I calmed down immediately. She was my angel on earth.
The next time I went to the post office, beforehand, I prayed for "Holy Spirit help.” There was no one in line when I entered. I said to myself, "Thanks Holy Spirit.” The next customer came to the counter. We noticed and recognized one another. I said, "You are the sweet lady who calmed me down the last time I was here. You were so kind and patient. I recognize your kind eyes, and you have on another really cool mask." She replied, "I remember you. You had forgotten your walking stick and were wobbly." Thus, God came near me using this dear woman as His divine conduit. It was nice for us to be all together once again at the post office. Yes, He comes to us even at the post office.
Dear Lord, Here You come again. Thank you for your angels on earth who represent You. Let us recognize Your holy presence everywhere. Amen.
Heather C. Russell
