Hiding prayers

Last week I talked to our children about a magic trick of sorts. I held up a gold coin and a colorful cloth. When we see someone holding a coin and cloth, there is usually going to be some sort of exciting magic trick just around the corner. Not this time! I placed the coin on the carpet and carefully covered it wiht the cloth. I asked the children, "Is the coin still there?"
"Oh, yes" they all replied. But how do you know, I asked. Can you see it? They couldn't see the coin, but knew it was still there because they watched me. I hadn't taken it away.

"Let's pull back the cloth slowly and carefully and see if you're right," I told them. With very slow, methodical motions, I pulled away the cloth. Ta-da! The coin was still there on the carpet! I asked the children if they were surprised. "No, we knew it would be there."

That little coin and cloth can represent so many of my encounters with God. There have been times in my life that I didn't feel God with me at all. I would have sworn the coin was not under the cloth because I felt so afraid or alone. My God was covered by a cloth of fear and loneliness. At other times, my God was covered by a cloth of frenetic activity. I felt so rushed and frazzled that I couldn't see God's presence until I removed the cloth and listened to His soft, still voice.

The cloth that covers our God can be any number of things as we journey together. For some, God is hidden by a cloth of anger or resentment from a recent hurt. At other times, the cloth is sadness resulting from the loss of a loved one or a long-hoped for dream. No matter the what the cloth is, it's important for us to lift it and look again at the coin, at our God's steadfast presence in our lives. As a reminder of His presence, carry a special coin with you in your pocket or purse as we journey closer to Easter this year. Hold that coin and know that it is just as solid and real as God's loving presence in your life today and everyday.

blessings to you,

Dr. Paula