by Lottie Bridges
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly KNOW me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. ESV
“Hey, Tennessee!” someone shouted as we walked down the street. Mama turned in the direction of the voice as a car slowly drove past. To our surprise, a big smile broke across her face as she rushed forward, shouting, “Wilma.” My mother had spent a lot of time in Wilma’s home while attending school in Michigan. Now a quarter of a century later Wilma and her family were heading south on US Highway 25 (aka Main Street in Clinton) when Wilma recognized something familiar -- even from the back -- in the way Mama walked or in the way she tilted her head or fixed her hair. The two renewed their friendship and kept in touch the rest of their lives with phone calls, letters, and occasional visits.
I walked into the doctor’s office and saw someone who looked familiar. I hadn’t seen her since she was a fourth grader, yet I knew that smiling face behind the desk belonged to Jessica. I may not have seen her for almost 2 decades, yet characteristics stood out by which I recognized her --- the sound of her voice, that sweet smile, those beautiful brown eyes and lovely long brown hair.
The lift of an eyebrow. A slight smile. A gaze when our eyes lock. A certain touch. A squeeze of my hand. Beginning to pace! All are things which others likely wouldn’t even notice; things which may not have meant much when we first began dating or at our wedding fifty-two years ago. During those years I have learned to be aware of ways in which Jerry wordlessly signals a message full of meaning. (Sometimes I get it; sometimes I don’t. --- and I’m still learning!) Those wordless messages let me know that vows made when we were young stand true today, that I am loved, that he wants to make me happy, that he still needs and wants me, that I can trust him with my life.
How is it possible that Mama and Wilma reconnected, or that I so easily recognize former students, or that wordless communication takes place with Jerry? In each instance it’s because of countless hours spent together, moving beyond being just an acquaintance, getting to know the characteristics of friends, students, and spouse.
In this New Year, my desire is to know God better. Knowing in a Biblical sense implies a deeply intimate relationship, that of a marriage covenant. I’m realizing that I must put a priority on developing our relationship. I need to immerse myself in His Word and listen for His still small voice as we commune in prayer. My relationship with Christ will only become deeper and more fulfilling as I spend time in His presence, respond to His voice and His touch, and even communicate with Him wordlessly. Then I will truly and intimately know Him.
To KNOW Him is to love Him --- and I do.
In case you missed yesterday's passage guide (it was accidentally left out on the email), it was Acts 7 & Psalm 11. Today's reading is Acts 8 & Psalm 30.