Be ye mindful always of his
covenant;
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
1 Chronicles
16 verse 15
Have
you ever yearned for spiritual nourishment: the spiritual equivalent to ‘manna in the wilderness'? I know that I have and still do at times.
As
is so often the case the answer is found in the wisdom of a small child. Myrna Laverty (3) shows us the way when she
sings a familiar children’s song with a small yet profound change in the words… “Jesus loves me this I know for
the bible tells me
so
much.”
Myrna
with addition of the single word ‘much’ transforms the bible into a
living vessel through which the word of God is relevant for 2014 and ages to
come. Myrna at three is experiencing the
bible stories for the first time and she is
fully present in her experience. These are not old familiar stories full of
meanings learned long ago. They are new and exciting.
I
can remember experiencing some of Myrna’s wonder as teenager. I found comfort in sitting in the empty
sanctuary at First Mennonite Church where I read aloud from the bible, shouting
the words at times and others whimpering the words through unabashed tears. The bible at these times was a living conduit
through which my spirit sought connection with God.
Now
at 58 I am learning to seek spiritual sustenance again in the bible. Approaching the bible as Myrna does or as I
did as a teenager expectant, and fully engaged in the process. I have learned
to take the hand of God and follow where I am led. Beloved scriptures, known since childhood
reveal new meanings, provide answers to my questions and strengthen me. In these moments I experience the spiritual
blessing of ‘manna
in the wilderness’. When I go to the
bible in expectation of hearing the present voice of God, like the Israelites
in the desert, I find the Holy Spirit there and I hunger spiritually no
more.
And
like the manna the Israelites received in the desert, spiritual manna cannot be
horded against a day when we cannot find God’s presence nor can it be
brought out as proof of our blessedness.
What
is it that I describing? I am describing
the practice of being mindful in our daily bible readings. Reading the bible with an expectation that
new truths will be revealed. Being open
to old and familiar words suddenly bursting forth with new meanings, wisdom
and direction.
Jesus loves me this I know for
the bible tells me so much !
Grandma Snyder
©2013-2015 twosnydergirls
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