Habitual Occupation
I experienced one of summer’s greatest enemies today, the razor. I happily took my shower this morning, enjoying the cool water lowering my body temperature after a hard work out. I knew I was going to wear shorts so decided shaving my legs was a wise choice. I finished my shower, grabbed my towel and stepped out. That’s when I noticed a small clot of blood congealing right on my ankle. I stared at in a a curious fascination. Normally, I react with a “Man! I nicked myself again!” (obviously the razor and I do not have a friendly relationship.) Today I wondered at the reality that my body, without me even being aware, was creatively protecting itself. I didn’t have to put on a small tissue, nor a band aid. Amazing. I was struck by the truth that God had so marvelously made my body that it worked to heal itself. I recently have spent some time studying the story of Noah and his really cool big boat. One of the things that has remained with me from the story is the statement that Noah walked with God. When I studied that phrase, I discovered a commentary that made this statement in regards to Noah walking with God: “The remarkable phrase, used only of Enoch and of Noah, implies a closer relation than the other expression, ‘To walk before God.’ Communion, the habitual occupation of mind and heart with God, the happy sense of His presence making every wilderness and solitary place glad because of Him, the child’s clasping the father’s hand with his tiny fingers, and so being held up and lifted over many a rough place, are all implied.” (Alexander Macleran, The Book of Genesis) The idea of a habitual occupation of mind and heart with God has captured me. Oh how I want that! And it struck me this morning, as I wondered at the creativity of God and the results of my conflict with a razor that, by the grace of God, I have moved a step closer to being habitually occupied with God in my mind and heart.
I am a swirl of wonder, peace, excitement, contentment, anticipation, joy and satisfaction. I am in awe of the wonder of God and how He chooses to work. Today, I am thankful for the temporary scar on my ankle. It’s reminding me of the the goodness of God to me.
