Last week-end I led a retreat on the topic “Breath of God”.  Did you know that in both the Old Testament Hebrew and the New Testament Greek languages there is one word in each language for wind, breath, and spirit.  So as we understand those three words to be different, in the entire Bible they are understood to be the same.  This actually makes for a beautiful image in a deeper expression and understanding of God.

The retreat took place beside a lake. It was quite a beautiful sight at early morning to see the breath, wind, spirit of God hovering over the water.

Persons attending the retreat were part of a church where I served as pastor.  Many I had not seen in 18 years.  What a joyful reunion!  One woman knitted a prayer shawl during the retreat and presented this creative gift to me on Sunday morning.  I wore it as a stole for our communion service, and will treasure it always.

One of my high school friends was the featured musician for the retreat.  She composes music and is quite an accomplished pianist.  As we talked about the “Redeeming Breath” of God, she played a powerful rendition of the crucifixion hymn, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”  Our plan was that I would paint while she played.  It felt a bit risky for me as I had not done this before. I became lost in the music and the creative expression.  This is what happened…

 

Monday morning I propped my feet up and enjoyed the birds frolicking out my back window.

Surprise!  A Redbird and a yellow butterfly appeared, both in the same morning!  They each flew in on the breath of God.  As Jesus said to Nicodemus, “The wind (breath, spirit) blows where it wishes, and you hear it’s sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.”  (John 3:8).  I just love being a part of the mystery of God!

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One of my goals this year is to seek out and intentionally spend time with persons who are different than me.  Last Sunday the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda came to our church to sing and dance in worship.  I jumped at the opportunity to host two girls from the orphanage and Auntie Ritah who traveled with them.  Saturday evening I anxiously awaited the arrival of Grace, age 12, and Susan, age 9.  I prayed that they would feel peace and love in our home.

I met them at the driveway waving my arms of welcome as their big smiles appeared first.  They leaped out of the car, and wrapping their arms around me they immediately snuggled into me. We each held the hug for what seemed like forever.  I felt my prayer was already being answered.

As they sat at the kitchen counter on bar stools eating ice cream, we all had lots of questions and stories to share.  All the while I felt their big eyes staring at me with wide-eyed wonder. Before bedtime Auntie asked if she could pray.  We all held hands and she prayed the most beautiful prayer of blessing upon us, upon our home, giving God thanks for us along with all the gifts of the day.  After getting them all tucked in for the night, I turned to Bill, “Oh my goodness!  When have we ever had anyone in our home pray for us like that? ”  His quick response was, “Never!”

Grace was tall and the big beautiful smile was naturally constant.  Her stature and movement lived up to her name…she was full of grace.  Susan’s big eyes filled her face.  She was petite and pixie-like.  Her styling hairdo, always with a bow, added a good 4 inches to her height. She seemed a bit more shy until I saw her perform on stage the next morning.  Wow!  She was a powerhouse of lively energy and joyful expression.

Here is the entire Watoto Choir, and Grace and Susan dancing…

And now…Susan singing a solo, “I am a child of God”.  (Please forgive the less than perfect photography.  There were bright spotlights and limited wiggle room for me in the congregation.)   Just listen to this 9 year old sing!

I held my little African friends in my arms for just one evening and morning, a brief moment in their lives.  But I will never forget them.  Did they need my hug as much as I needed theirs?  Perhaps.  They gave and received so readily and abundantly.  I wonder how many hugs they get in the orphanage?  I think of them and wonder about lots of things in their lives.  Yet, this I know….they left an imprint on my heart forever!  This poem entitled “Second Sight” by David Whyte expresses it well…

nk