From Pastor Bruce
Let me
share some thoughts from award winning author and retreat speaker Joyce Rupp.
This story of the spiritual stirrings of her early childhood reminds us that
there is "Someone" who is always with us in spite of our temporary
confinement and isolation.
"When I was a young
child of eight years old, I lived on a beautiful farm in Iowa. Like my other
siblings, I had chores to do after school. Mine consisted of feeding the
chickens and gathering the eggs. I didn't like doing this because my free
spirit wanted to be out in the grove playing or down by the creek watching
tadpoles and catching minnows.
"But one day all of
that changed for me. I learned that I had a secret companion who always kept me
company, even when I was doing the daily farm chores. Hidden away deep within
my heart was a loving being named God who would always love me and would never
leave me. It was at this time that a wise teacher taught me about friendship
with God. She assured me that l would never be alone because l was carrying the
very life of God within me. I was enthused about this discovery. I could sense
that "Someone" was there. I began carrying on endless conversations
with this Friend. Walking home from school, doing my chores, playing in the
grove — all of these activities became opportunities to be with my
"special Someone." This was the beginning of my relationship with
God.
"And as l grew
older, I recognized this inner presence as a dynamic source of guidance and
consolation. I became ever more deeply rooted in the belief that this
indwelling God loves me totally and unconditionally. To this day I draw comfort
and courage from the belief that l am a container holding the presence of God.
This awesome and humbling gift of the Divine indwelling constantly enlivens my
spiritual path and seeds my transformation."
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