Sweet Annabelle Joy and Louis
“At some moments we experience complete unity within us and around us.
“This may happen when we stand on a mountaintop and are captivated by the view. It may happen when we witness the birth of a child or the death of a friend. It may happen when we have an intimate conversation or a family meal. It may happen in church during a service or in a quiet room during prayer.
It may happen when a small Haitian child feels so safe he or she falls into a deep sleep in your arms. ~Tami Heim
“But whenever and however it happens we say to ourselves: This is it … everything fits … all I ever hoped for is here.’
“This is the experience that Peter, James, and John had on the top of Mount Tabor when they saw the aspect of Jesus’ face change and his clothing become sparkling white.
“They wanted that moment to last forever (see Luke 9:28-36). This is the experience of the fullness of time. These moments are given to us so that we can remember them when God seems far away and everything appears empty and useless.
“These experiences are true moments of grace.”
~ Henri Nouwen
I’ve memorized some mountaintop moments from this past month. Sealed them in my mind. They hold me close, and I’ll try to share some soon. This Haiti experience has done something in me even deeper than last year. And then, of course, there was the Christmas week ice storm. It’s been a memorable December. And when God seems far away, I’ll remember these moments of pure grace.
Still simmering,
Sandy
Note: Sue Duffield has created a video journal of our trip. What a privilege and joy to share this week with her. This will transport you there with us: Haiti December 2013.
What are some of your freeze-framed mountaintop moments of grace…moments you remember when God seems far away?
Welcome to Still Saturday where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and words. We’d love for you to join us. Get the details on the left, grab your favorite button, and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to gaze long and drink deep.
I love reading and hearing about your Haiti trip. Thank you for sharing the ways it impacted, continues to impact, you.
Thank you, Melanie. It seems to have taken longer to process this one. I wasn’t prepared for that. 🙂
Sandy, thanks for sharing Sue’s video with us. It took me right back to Haiti — those smiling faces stay with you. I am thankful for “moments of grace.” Hope you have a wonderful New Year’s with your family. Hugs
Hugs right back to you, sweet Lyli. Hoping for the same for you and yours–and a year filled with a multitude of graced moments. xo
What a beautiful post. There is something transcendent about a child sleeping – and in this setting, it’s something holy.
A moment that I have cherished lately was at my oldest son’s recent wedding. I will never forget his face when his soon-to-be wife entered the church. I will never forget the way she looked at him. And, to have my other son standing next to him as best man? Well, that just added icing to the cake.
But, what made that moment so extra-special was knowing how God had answered so many of my prayers. How He had brought two lives and two families together, even when I had often doubted that He would.
His Presence proves sure, even when I am not sensing it.
GOD BLESS!!
Sandy, I am mesmerized by the photo of Louis so very asleep on Annabelle Joy. Precious are the little children, so innocent and needing love and comfort. May God watch over this child and use him for His Kingdom some day, one day.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Beautiful post, Sandra. Much love to you, dear friend. xoxox
So beautiful…His peace transcends our sadness. Thanks for hosting & God bless!
I have so been blessed reading about your trip. That is a great quote by Henri Nouwen! Beautiful post! I am so grateful for those moments of grace!