Breath of God

Today we were invited by friends to attend church with them at One Harbor in Morehead City, North Carolina. Both families decided to make a day of it.

The girls all were bathing suits under their church clothes. After church we stopped off for lunch and then headed to the beach.

There was much desire to boogie board on this day but alas there was very little surf. As flat as could be. Earlier in the day, however, there was a cool gentle breeze. This same Breeze would return later in the afternoon but there was still no surf.

I am certain of the breeze because I have noticed it every since the day that I parted ways with my long-time church and employer. Every day it seems that I have noticed the breeze. I have taken it as a reminder that God is with us. It could just be the beginning of the change of seasons or just a fluke of nature but it is most certainly there. I have felt it; and for me it is an assurance.

It is not the only reminder and it is not the most unmistakable one. These are the Mercer's, you've seen them several times in this blog. They are friends who have stayed close with us even as we have watched many other friends turn and walk away - never to return.  Our family has endured this pain only by God's faithfulness and the constant, tangible love, support, and help of our authentic community; of which the Mercer's and several other families are a part.

These are our friends and we are proud to be in community with them. On another day it will be other members of our our community and we stick together. The breeze can be a reminder but community is God's unmistakable presence. It is a tangible expression of his strength and his comfort. It is the breath of God.