Periods, Questions and Commas

When looking at a story, whether it is written in a book or being told by the living of a life, it is quite easy to focus on the letters, words and paragraphs and miss the tiniest, but most important ingredients of its telling.

A Facebook group I came across a few months ago, has this as it’s Facebook Cover: ” ‘Let’s eat grandma.’ or ‘Let’s eat, grandma.’ Punctuation saves lives.”   Included in the cover is a picture of a jar labeled “Grandma” containing a grey powder (or ashes?).   Just as what appears to be the most insignificant part of that sentence (the comma) makes all the difference in what will be for dinner, so it is with the seemingly small details of our stories.

Are you taking time to celebrate and share the ever so softly whispered confirmations from God?  Confirmations that let you know that He has you right in the middle of His plan and His Story?  No longer do I look for major successes, huge popularity or broad acknowledgment from others to serve as a nod that I am on the right page.  I have learned to look for the nod of God, in small things.

Take for instance, that for years, I have used one of my favorite scriptures, 1st Corinthians 2:9. “But as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him” in my e-mail signature.  The first sermon of 2015 I heard was on 1st Corinthians 2:9.  A sweet, soft, nod from God.

2014 closed with an experience I will remember forever.  After years of praying for my father’s salvation, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on December 22nd, 2014.  Finally my soul could rest over the what-ifs of his declining health and cancer diagnosis.  So as I stood, after praying and asking The Holy Spirit for guidance about what I should say to those who came to celebrate my father’s life and home going on February 15th, 2015, I was directed to 1st Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” All the while I spoke, I felt the gentle, consoling, comforting slight breeze, of God’s nodding.

The small things make the biggest difference in our stories.  I pray you are taking the time to slow down and notice the tiniest details of your life.

Tell Your Story.  Live Your Calling.