I have a very wise and knowledgeable father (he reads Hebrew...need I say more?) and a mother who molded up a faith in me from a young age, the basis for unwavering faith in the truth.
No doubts.
Plenty of room for immaturity though. Not understanding the value and the personal meaning of the gift of Jesus Christ...more of an inheritance...misunderstood. He had been mine since I could talk and invite him in my heart.
In High School, I went on a week long canoe adventure, bible camp style. One day, we were given a few hours to have quiet time with God with the expectation of returning with some 'nugget' of inspiration for the rest of the group. We were all physically exhausted from paddling and I was looking forward to quickly finishing the task and spending the rest of the time napping...great plan.
I sat down by the rippling river with my bible and decided that the tried and true method of 'whatever page it opens to and I close my eyes and point to the verse' style of inspiration would suffice. That is 'divine', isn't it? (I groan now.)
This 'inspiration' led me to what at the moment I thought was a pathetic verse...'God is Love'. I think that is in 1 John somewhere...4:8 maybe?
I groaned...was this it? I had to come up with more than that. 'How pathetic!' I shamefully thought. '...um duh! Everyone knows that...how could this inspire?'
I laid down on the rocks...propped up on my side, on my sweater, and decided maybe I would nap first...before 'expanding' on my inspiration.
And then...almost like a well filmed movie shot... my eyes slowly focused in on something...sitting beautifully clean and clear, obviously placed ABOVE all the other rocks that were nestled in the mud settled riverside. A black, heart shaped rock, with a perfect white heart shaped vein embedded within.
I tingled...from my head to my toes. I had never yet had a romantic experience...but this was what I imagined I would feel...to know true love. To feel it. To know it. To know it was arranged there for ME. This was NO coincidence.
Could HE really love me like this? Could it be so REAL?
It made me cry.
To this day my family knows how much 'hearts' mean to me...I see them in clouds, in trees, even in bird poop (sacrilegious...I know)...they are my gifts from God. Some have questioned whether they are like a fleece, confirming my belief. No. I always knew. I just never FELT how much. I don't 'need' the hearts. I am just thankful for them, they are frivolous and charming to me...not necessary...in excess rather, like diamonds.
There is so much more to my 'ROCK'. So many gifts that have come with the 'Rock'. You can only imagine...it would take too long. Children's stories, testimonies...that have come from my rock.
A simple little cherished treasure.
5 comments:
I'm so glad you took the time to write your inspirational story down. God has wonderful, sometimes simple, ways of confirming His love for us! I'm thrilled that you've built your house upon THE ROCK and not on sand! God is LOVE!!
Hi Evi~
As soon as I read your comment at Hokey, I knew I was in for something...something from you...something from God.
I read your verse (Phil. 3:15), considered the context, re-read my post on anger and passion, and now am scratching my head. You have a mystery to reveal to me...I'm not sure God is going to do it...you might be the appointed one! I will confess that I didn't spend loads of time contemplating, simply because I couldn't wait to get over hear to read your rock story! And it was everything I hoped it would be! It made me tremble and weep because I, too, have a rock collected from the bank of a river that is a reminder of everything God is to me. Mine is not cool--and heart shaped--like yours, but signifcant nonetheless. When I first plucked it--and two others--out of the river, they were shiny black with crevices caked with mud. I gave one away, I have one stashed, and the one I love, I have held onto, prayed with, and cried so many tears on that the mud has washed away. I sleep with it under my pillow. A ROCK!!!!!! It sounds so crazy, but I KNOW YOU UNDERSTAND!!!
I'm still crying--because of you my make-up is now all wrecked up. Thanks alot, Evi!!! :)
On my farewell post, I chose the scripture verse Ecclesiastes because of the mention of stones--a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them. I am in a shifting season.
I cherish your words, your wisdom, and your friendship. And I'm ready for that coffee now. Send me your new address so I can google map you and head to O'Canada!!!
Love you, girl!
Evi! I lost track of you for a long time! Saw you at Mindless Junque today.
This is a beautiful story. That rock is amazing. He is the God that comes to us--what a great lesson you learned that day. The love story of the ages. :-)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow, May 15th! Sure wish you could get on your blog and update us all! Love you!
Happy Birthday! I came from your mom´s blog. She is a gifted poet!
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