Go North to go West

I once heard a very wise man say he walked with God.  Not always hand in hand and at the same speed, but he tried to walk with God. 

That brings a great visual to me.  As a parent of a small child there were many times I would grab hold of my child's hand so that we may walk together-across a busy street , through a crowded mall.  Having someone hold your hand can be very comforting.  We naturally assume they are in charge and a peace settles down over us.  With someone else doing the leading, we can now look around and check out the scenery fearless of running into a light pole! 
Evan today,I am comforted by my companion's presence through the touch of his hand. 

As an adult compared to my child, my legs were much longer and thus I could easily walk faster, but I match my pace to that of my young child.  We would stroll hand in hand enjoying the day.  Sometimes, I would be in a rush and wish to move faster and would "drag" that young one with me.  Other times, I was able to "see" as they did and appreciate all the new things they were seeing.  Sometimes, I just enjoyed the touch of that little one's hand in mine. 

There are many poems about God holding our hands and walking with us.   
I certainly know for sure that He does hold my hand through scary situations-and that does make me feel at peace.  Other times I think he stands with me while I'm dawdling that I almost feel as if He has let go of mine hand.  Sometimes, I even feel Him tugging on my hand as if to say, "Let's go, walk this way."

Can you see this "child" pointing her finger across the way and telling her Daddy that she wants to go "that way"!  He graciously states, "Yes, we're going that way, but first we've got to go this way."

Here in Tampa Bay in order to get to Clearwater, across the water, you drive over a bridge.  Years ago, before the bridge was built you could get to the peninsular on the West of Tampa only by driving North and then South. 

If I walk with God, hand in hand, I will hear him say (pre-bridge), "We need to walk North to go West." 
And I, as a trusting child, experienced in hand-holding, will walk in the wrong direction because my Father said so. 

The Sacred Meal

My complimentary book to read for review from BookSneeze was The Sacred Meal.
I had mixed emotions develop while reading this book.  Initially, I could tell it was coming from a liturgical point of view, something of which I don't adhere to.  Many times I disagreed with the author's philosophy and spiritual understanding.  Then the author, Nora Gallagher, would state a very poignant point that made me stop and ponder a bit.  Communion is a sacred act of worship commanded by Jesus.  How we participate and appreciate this act is personal and unique. 
Over all, it was a quick read, simplistic and detailed enough to be interesting, yet not boring.   I appreciate the difference of opinions and beliefs and was able to learn a bit more of the Episcopalian faith.  I think by reading this book it made me aware of my own treasures of the heart and what the Sacred Meal means to me.