For all three of you who may have actually remembered that I started a blog in January... here's entry #2. Entry #1 was about forgetfulness. So... in total transparency I am going to admit that..... I forgot how to get back to my own blog to post another entry! You are not surprised if you know me at all. ADD + age+ life= forgetfulness. So, I confess, and will do my best to remember how to get back here so my posts are more consistent. Oh, and for you OCD friends who are chomping at the bit to tell me how to remember.... I already sent myself an email on how to get back here. Ha Ha!
Today was a day full of wondering. Actually, this entire week has been. This time, the application of the wondering has been of the ":Oh what a wonder this is!" connotation of the word. Let me explain.
This week I have been sick with my annual bout of upper respiratory/pharyngitis. I thought I had escaped it since it was already the end of March, but I was wrong! What is the wonder in that? When I get sick, my voice is the first to be affected. That's right... I can't talk. (Let me rephrase... I'm not supposed to talk.) There's the wonder! So what does one do when the ability to talk is restricted? Well, after years of experience, I have learned that trying to talk over hoarseness is damaging to the vocal chords. So..... I have been alone, silent, and able to hear the wonders.
Most of these have not been audible sounds; instead they have been messages from different sources that spoke to me. Some were texts or posts from friends; others from Scripture, but I am convinced they were sent for me from my Lord. He has to get my mouth shut before I can hear!
After a week of being mostly at home by myself, today John and I went to a local event in Brandon. I still am hoarse, but I had to see some daylight and people! During our brief outing of maybe an hour, I experienced 3 wonders.
Wonder # 1- encounter was with a member of our church in Jackson who lives in Clinton but has Brandon ties. A totally unexpected wonder to see him. He introduced us to a friend who has written a very readable book that guides "non-techies" through the maze of computer issues. Having been in a position along my journey to try to teach beginner computer courses, I bought a copy of the book so I can stay functional.
Wonder # 2- I saw a former student from my Brandon Middle School years of subbing. She is a spectacular young Christian woman who will graduate in May from MC! We talked and caught up and I listened (mostly) about her plans after graduation. She has many possibilities, but she is seeking God's choice. No surprise to me in that, but a wonder non-the-less. In this "go where the money is" world, she is waiting for God's voice to tell her His plan.
Wonder #3- After we left the festival and I had a chance to begin to scan my new book, I saw the name of yet another former student on the acknowledgment page. Why is this a wonder? Because I taught this student in Chalmette, LA in 1980-81! He is friends with the author of the book who is a friend of our church member! He has lived in the Brandon area for quite some time, but this "co-incidental" connection to our church friend and his friend and me.....
Do you get it... the wonder of little me being connected through all my journeys to people from so many places and time spans, and encountering all of them in one afternoon? How can I not see this as a wonder?
Here's the point...(I know you were wondering if there would be one!)
If I had not been "silenced" and sick this week, it is very possible that I would have missed the wonders of today. During my forced seclusion, I spent much needed time reading and meditating on God's word, focused primarily on the journey to the Cross. My Lenten Season was interrupted by family crisis, so my readings were delayed. But I can tell you, they were right on time for me this week.
This is the greatest wonder of all-- God reaches through time and space and wants to connect with us where He wants, and why He wants, because He loves us. I'm glad I didn't miss Him today!
