Crazy Yet Fruitful Observations

Recently I have been noticing some kind of funny contradicting things and I'd like to share three of them:

First, I have been interested in the word "Shalom." My spiritual director uses it to close his emails and asks for it in his prayers for me. I understand it to mean that he is blessing me with God's presence on my whole being. Rob Bell, a prominent pastor and writer states "It is the presence of the goodness of God, the presence of wholeness and completeness." It is such a deep word to me and brings true peace. I decided to Google it and see what others had to say. You can imagine my surprise, laughter and then sadness when I saw -"Shalom - Buy it on E-Bay." How ridiculous it is that one can believe that shalom can be bought. Yet how thankful I am that this true, deep sense of peace comes so freely from God and I only have to ask for it.

Second, my new neighbour across the hall put out an unusual welcome mat. It simply has the word "LEAVE" emblazoned across it. Okay it is a funny conversation piece. Every time I see it, I think of the great contradiction - a mat that is supposed to make a guest welcome and appreciated states a total opposite meaning. I am so glad God's welcome mat says "Seek and you shall find" and "Knock and the door will be opened." And most of all, I am thankful that every time I walk out of my door and see my neighbour's mat, I am reminded that God's arms are open wide and I am most welcome to walk straight into them. He will never ask me to leave even as a joke.

Thirdly, my old washing machine and dryer were replaced with a new set in my apartment. I ran the washing machine for the first time yesterday. When it started to drain the wash water, I realized it sounded like the water was draining outside of the machine. Sure enough, as I rounded the kitchen counter, there was a flood of water coming at me. Fortunately I was able to turn off the machine before all the water emptied out. The maintenance man for the complex arrived almost immediately after I called. I almost laughed out loud when I saw a roll of paper towels tucked under his arm. It appeared that he was going to try to mop up a small flood with a roll of paper towels. I had already put down all the bath and beach towels I owned! Again, I am reminded that when I have a major problem, God comes totally prepared with the power and ability to take care of any mess - no matter how big it is.

Don't we have a great God?