Last week I had the pleasure of attending the funeral for the mother of a very good friend. I can hear you now. "You had the pleasure of attending a funeral?" Don't get me wrong. I hurt deeply for my friend who lost her mom. My pleasure came in watching God during the wake and the funeral. He was everywhere.
On my flight from Boston to Atlanta I had a short layover in Philly. As I was getting my luggage out of the overhead bin, a woman a few seats over said, "Make sure you check the luggage, ours looks exactly the same." I replied, "Mine has a broken zipper in front, so I think we are good." She gave no reply and I hurried off the plane, practically running to my next plane. As I scrambled down the walkway to the plane, God told me to look at my luggage. I was in a hurry, but I obeyed. Inside I found six inch leopard print shoes I would never wear. I had taken the wrong luggage!
God showed up in all His mercy. We found the other lady, switched our luggage and I was booked on the next flight, which left an hour later. But that was just the beginning of my God sightings.
My friends in-laws were to pick me up at Boston's Logan airport, which is by no means a small airport. I had met them once or twice, but was really concerned if I would remember them or not. As I walked down the stairs to baggage claim they were right in front of me. God simply said, "There they are." I had been worried for nothing.
On the way to the place where my friends were staying, the in-laws asked me if I needed to stop for food. I was too embarrassed to say yes, so I told them I was fine. Please tell me you've done the same kind of foolish thing. Anyway, when we arrived my friends husband (also my friend) had bought us turkey subs. Oh my...they tasted so good. God was in on the smallest of details.
One of the things I miss most, now that I live in Georgia and not Connecticut, is the ocean. I pine for the ocean. That's how bad I miss it. Well my friends were staying at their mother's apartment, which had a view of guess what? Yes! The ocean. One of my favorite places to talk with God is the ocean. How cool of Him to supply one right in my back yard!
I could go on and on about where I saw God when I was in Boston, but let me help you understand why I found the funeral a pleasure. Tuesday night was the wake, which had hours from 2-4 and 6-8. Going in to the services I knew my friend, her husband and her children, plus I had some knowledge of the in-laws.
That night, I watched people of all shapes and sizes and ages pass by to give their condolences for this woman who was loved by a community. She was the biggest fan of several high school sports teams, who came out to honor her. People stood in the rain in long lines, just waiting for the chance to show their respect. The receiving line went on and on, lasting until after 9 pm. It was an amazing thing to experience.
You could only miss God at the wake and funeral if you really tried. He showed up in the family. They helped each other stand, they helped each other grieve, they shared memories and laughter. God showed up in the children. They kept a watchful eye on each other and their parents. Standing stronger than anyone else their age could. God showed up in friends who brought food and water and love. God showed up in strangers, like the woman whose husband was out of town so she came in his place. Or the man who had never met my friend's mom, but wanted to support other members of her family. He showed up in the people who lovingly took me into their hearts and their homes, although they had just met me.
My prayer...all of our prayers should be to live a life that has a positive lasting impact on our families and the communities that surround us.
God is everywhere around us, working in all kinds of ways. All we have to do is take a look. Tomorrow we will share some stories from others who have seen God.
Where did you see God today? Please click on the link below and share your story.
http://www.surveyonics.com/surveyflow/Where-Did-You-See-God-Today/9929
Love,
Bonnie
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