Monday, May 2, 2005

The Holy Spirit and the Wolf

Traveling across country in a car is such a unique experience, especially with all of today’s technology. Driving through New Mexico today along the High Desert a wolf ran across the highway right in front of us. Not only did Joanie and I get to enjoy that experience, but since we were on the phone with Jonathan and Maria in Anderson, we got to share it with them as well. Imagine, being hundreds of miles apart but sharing the same experience together. It was as if we were in the same place.
A little earlier in the day I called Doyle to let him know I was praying for him. Since it was his first Sunday in the pulpit, I wanted to encourage him in the process and let him know that I was praying for him. A few hours later he called to share the joy he felt in his heart at the response the congregation gave to the preaching of the Word. He mentioned that there were many who had come to the altar to alter their lives in accordance with the prompting of the Holy Spirit. There on the phone, hundreds of miles from one another, we shared the joy at the same experience.
This is the reality of living in and with the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Spirit is able to bring us together across the miles to share in the same experience of life and joy. I think of Bill Smith, Ryan Smith, Luis Ruiz, and Daniel Campos who are thousands of miles away in the Middle East. And yet, every time I have shared a phone call from Bill or Luis or received an email from Ryan I have experienced a shared moment of joy and love across the miles. The Holy Spirit makes all this possible.
Parents have asked us how we have managed with the boys going to college in Indiana. I’m sure Sherry Smith, Jeri Ruiz, and Myrna Campos have been asked frequently how they cope with the long separation and distance. God helps. The Holy Spirit bridges the gap and allows us to experience the same joys across the miles.

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