Alone With God

If you could spend an hour with any person from the past or present, who would you choose?

Whenever I hear this question, I can’t help but muse over the possibilities. Jesus and treasured or long lost relatives prevail, but if I’m feeling whimsical, a writer, artist or some other one-of-a-kind figure like Ben Franklin or Aristotle might bounce to the top.

Who can resist the affection of a grandmother or unraveling the mystery of an ancestor or the captivating curiosity of a charming character? Yet none of these rivals the Breath of Life, the Great I Am, Creator of love, inspiration, genius, all that is visible and invisible, keeper of all riddles and resolutions. I didn’t have to imagine such an encounter, I simply showed up and walked with Him.

I collect things. I am fond of thought-provoking quotes, rocks, books, buttons, hearts and handmade pottery. I even have a nice “collection” of people in my life. If I hold them up to the light and regard their finest qualities, I might find the strength of my grandfather in one, the tender humanity of Henri Nouwen or a stroke of Rembrandt in another. Each rarity and wonder, every genius, flair and finesse is God wrapped in form, a glorious testimony for the world to see.

Setting out to be alone with God, I found Him alone, for He is the radiant light in all.

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.Later that night, he was there alone,  Matthew 14:23