Jewels

As Christ’s followers we all desire a growing relationship with God.  But we tend to think that growth is initiated by us.
We read the Bible.
We pray.
We go to church.
We meditate, witness, memorize, serve, give, and so on.
We live like the door to our relationship with Jesus is a one way and we have the only door knob.  But what if the door stays open?  And God is free to speak to us anytime, anywhere and in any way He wants?
Through situations, people and random events I think God is speaking all around us, if only we are listening.  What is He saying to you?
One night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I asked, “God, what is it like to perpetually be in Your presence?”
Almost synchronously with falling asleep, the night sky appeared over the screen of my eyelids.  The stars looked so close.  I reached out to grab one; I jumped as a diamond the size of a large marble fell into my hand.  So, that’s what it’s like in The Presence of God.  I thought.
Color exploded onto my mind’s eyes.  Sapphires were wedged in the clouds of the brilliant blue sky.  Emeralds tucked between blades of grass.  Rubies were just waiting in fields of wild flowers.
Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Ps 90:17
As I dreamed, I walked barefoot along a beach; chocolate pearls were clearly visible just below the froth of the waves.  Turquoise nuggets laced with silver waited for me in among the pebbles.
And just as unexpectedly I was walking along the sidewalks of a downtown metropolis.  Pearls rolled in the cracks of the sidewalk.  Onyx dropped by the people I meet.  Opals glimmered from store shelves.  No matter where I am.  Gems of wisdom are ushered in by The Presence Christ and only by His Presence revealed.
All around the world is enamored with ‘jewels’.  They are consumed with glass shards that litter the streets, the glitter in the sand, and plastic beads in the gutter.  They simply cannot see the true jewels because they do not enjoy God’s Presence.
But sadder than those who can’t see is those who won’t.  There are those who could enjoy the very presence of God.  His offerings of gems are all around but they never pick them up.  Or they pick them up only to drop them in distaste or to make room for a glass shard.
They could have, but they won’t.
But the true question is: Will I?
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” 
~ Psalms 27:8