Oh, You Noticed
Oh? You noticed my afflatus.
Afflatus (noun) A divine imparting of knowledge or power; Inspiration.
I was hoping you would. After all, I hold a Master of Divinity degree, doesn't that guarantee it? Heh-heh.
Oh, if only afflatus was something you could just turn on and off.
I have found, however, that I can "prime the pump" for afflatus if I spend time in the Word. I love to read my Bible. (If you read three chapters a day and five on Sunday, you can read through the Bible in a year!)
If I pray, really listen to God, keep silent before God in way that is inviting for genuine exchange, I find afflatus. When I listen to God, I hear God say things to me, in my heart and mind. And that's thrilling!
If I go for walks or ride my bicycle, I find God speaking to my senses, in the call of the female cardinal, perched in the high branches of the Bradford pear tree ...
in the laughter of little children spinning round 'n round on the spinner in the playground ... smiling, carefree, and having fun ... just being who God made them to be ...
in the playful, friendly smile of the golden retriever or chocolate labrador taking his master out for a walk in the late afternoon ...
in the serendipity of finding a couple of battered Lincoln pennies along the side of the highway and roads ... (those'll go in the offering plates on Sunday)
in getting waves and smiles from passing motorists in return for mine ...
in the crunchy sound of fallen acorns spilled along the pathways in the park as I stride upon them ...
in fat squirrels rummaging around the ground, twitching, jerking, and swishing their large, fluffy brush-like tails about ...
in the waving branches of the blooming oaks and maples, the blush of many crabapple blossoms cascading along the entrance of the park, miniature flower petals dancing down to earth ...
in the fresh breezes of spring air ... the warm rays of sun upon my face, neck, and shoulders ...
in the blowing leaves, racing along the bright green grass ...
Thank you, God, for afflatus, imparting knowledge, inspiration, and power to me ... to us ... when we seek You.
"Draw near to God ... and God will draw near to you."
Just like that.
