incidental graces

[Ron Irvine]

When we look at life, what do we see?

When we look at life, do we See???

In systems theory, in organizational development, and in
individual development, research has indicated that what we pay attention to
grows. If we look at the negative . . . the bad things in life, our life
becomes negative. If a child is told they are naughty, they become naughty. In
psychology this is called a self-fulfilling prophecy. Truth
can be seen everywhere we look, but is that what we are paying attention
to?

I love to watch couples. There is subtle interaction that
gives off this sort of aura. They are attune to each other, not just with their
minds but with their bodies. The best example I’ve seen lately is Barak and
Michelle Obama doing their seven minute walk during the inauguration parade.
They were completely intertwined as they, together, focused their attention
outward to the crowds. There was a real sweetness between them that could be
seen in their actions . . . sort of fussing over each other, sideways glances,
holding hands, body position, and on and on. It creates real
longing in my heart for such communion.

It has begun to occur to me, though, that life is full of
moments of sweetness, coincidental kindnesses, incidental graces. Sometimes it
is a comment from a friend or coworker, sometimes it is timely assistance,
sometimes it is the sunshine after the rain, a rainbow, the wind in my face, a
sideways glance of a child, a smile . . . oh the smile. After going through
several years of such darkness of the soul that one wonders if light can even exist ..., the kindness of friends of family, unexpected, unpredictable, seemingly random and unrelated . . . leaving me in wonder and tears. God brings people (certain very precious people), experiences, and incidences into our lives at just the right time. These are incidental graces. By incidental, I mean “happening in connection with or resulting from something more important” (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/incidental)

As I have observed these wonderous acts of kindness and beauty in my life, I’m beginning to see . . . to See.

Behind every incidental grace (most of which we still don’t see), is the hand
of God, orchestrating a love relationship between Him and His people that is
the source of the actions reflected by those special couples I observe here on
earth. Why is it so hard for us to see? Why do we desire the tangible human
relationships so much more, when they are only a reflection of the unconditional
love of God? The unconditional love of God is the Source that makes possible
the oneness of soul mates here on earth.

Seeing is difficult. It is about as hard for us to think of God doting and
fussing over us as our great Lover, as it is to think of Him as the Hound
of Heaven in relentless and patient pursuit of our hearts and lives.

[Ron Irvine]

Conscious living is a very difficult thing. Often we are least conscious of our relationship with God and of our relationships with others. Actually, incidental graces is a concept that was planted as a seed about 15 years ago by Pastor Dave. It has taken this long for me to begin to See.

About 30 years ago another seed was planted by Pastor Enoch Olson of Spring Hill Camps. He said that WHENEVER we encounter another person, we both walk away changed; either negative or positive. So do we think about the impact our attitude and presence has on EVERYONE around us??? Are we conscious of our relationships? Are we careful to honor the soul of another? Does EVERY word, expression, action, or reaction have as its source, love?