Finding God

"18 -21 Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night" Deut 11:18-21

So that's what I tried to do this Easter weekend, as we visited family from far away.

As we attended Easter mass with great grandma and her sisters....

"Look children, God is in Youth and Maturity."

As the Word was read in English and Spanish...

"Listen children, this is the Word of God - in any language."

As we sat, stood, kneeled in the beautiful building...worshiped in grandeur and ritual...

"God is here."

As we went to church Sunday morning with Papaw and his family...tiny country church full of love and sincerity and little children singing "This little light of mine."

As we heard the harp, praise music from a cd, and impromtu hymns accompanied by the piano...

"Watch children, there are many ways to worship God."

As we watched both churches welcome new members...with a sprinkle of water or the "right hand of fellowship."...

"See, children. God draws people to himself."

When you're with hundreds or dozens, singing a song or lighting a candle, God is the same wherever we are. When the priest reads from the prayer book or the pastor speaks from heart and memory...God's word is the same.

He loves us.

He is with us.

In the warmth of a hug, or the pleasure of extended family...

If you just look, you will see he is here.