A couple of weeks ago, I invited members of the congregation to share with me some of the stories of their encounters with God in unexpected moments. Sandy Ice submitted the beautiful picture of a sunset, and Michelle Fariss sent me this story:
Because my family has always spent a lot of time out in the woods, I have long ago made a habit of marveling at the beauty with which God has surrounded us. And I also have come to realize that God speaks to me and presents me with many opportunities. Sometimes it’s a quiet communing, but at other times (usually when I am focused on things “I” think are important) it is more of a rude awakening. Let me tell you about one of the quiet times.
My job had become quiet stressful. Hours were growing longer, demands were growing more unrealistic, and, as so often happens, I was becoming consumed with the issues. After one particularly stressful day I came home late and it was getting dark and starting to snow. Despite that, I realized that I should take the dog for a walk on the 4 mile trail near my rural home, as was our habit. I bundled up and trudged the first two miles, my mind running over the problems that had consumed me all day. Slowly I began to realize that it had become dark. The wind had quit blowing and the snowflakes had become huge, drifting down slowly and beginning to cover me and the forest floor at my feet. I stopped in awe, and then realized that it was silent, with no cars or other sounds to be heard. I love the snow, but this was the most beautiful snowfall in which I have ever been (or maybe at that moment God just knew I needed something that pure and simple). I sat down on a log, dumped all the problems of the day, and became awestruck at the beauty of the moment that had been given to me.
When the ground had turned to white, I finally got up and made my way home. The problems of the day had been replaced with a deep sense of peace and joy. God helped me realize that we truly can cast our cares on Him and that he will provide what we need. I truly needed that time of peace and stillness.
P.S. – I left that job not too long after that!
