I have a close friend who I don't talk to near enough. We live on opposite sides of the country. We are both busy with life. But when we do talk, it's like an old pair of jeans. We pick up where we left off and the familiarity that comes with a friend who's known you forever settles in.
The interesting thing about this particular friend is that she is an athiest who is secretly agnostic or maybe, just maybe more than agnostic. She grew up catholic and has a place in her heart for lent. So often, this time of year, we find ourselves lost for a moment in a spiritual conversation tied to practices and disciplines of the season.
A few days ago she called. She has a lot going on. Some of the heavy stuff. Our conversation was meaty. The only thing I could tell her about faith is that God is with us in life's trials, bringing peace that passes understanding. It's easy to want a God that is like a genie in the bottle. We pray and rub the lamp and cross our fingers that everything will go our way. But the God I have come to know isn't a genie. Rather a presence inviting us to go deeper. To trust in the fog of uncertainly. To let go of our expectations to embrace peace and love, even in the face of sacrifice or adversity.
We talked a long while ... until my kids got antsy and she had places to be. I hung up the phone. The conversation has stayed with me. God was present there. Reminding me of faith and inviting me to the table. I realized sometimes God just shows up -- for no particular reason, on a random Tuesday afternoon when you are picking up the kids from school.
Sometimes you need to answer the phone and be open to listening. Thanks for calling, God. It was good to hear from you.
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