This week's Bible lesson on Reality focuses on the Word of God and how we can make that relevant in our life. As I continue to study the idea of 'daily' communing with Him, I noticed that the Responsive Reading includes this thought: "O, how love I Thy law, it is my meditation all the day." All the day, or at least some part of it. I start the mornings with at least an hour of prayer, reading the lesson and other articles. Calls for prayer come later in the morning and during the day. I have conversations with divine Love often. Taking a moment to feel happy about something, to appreciate something I see or hear, to be grateful for a moment of peace or calm, to respond to a need knowing God is right there with me.

In this lesson there is a reference to the child, Samuel. His mother, in gratitude for bearing this boy after years of being barren, had promised to give him to serve the church, and she does that when he is still very young. He has not yet started his religious training when he hears his name spoken in the night. He gets up and goes to the priest, Eli, who sends him back to bed. This happens three times before Eli realizes that it is God who is calling the boy. Samuel would not have known that on his own. (How often has a thought occured to us several times before we realize it is a message from divine Love and heed it?) At that time there were no prophets, no one to speak to the people from the Lord. This boy would be special in so many ways.

I am giving a series of talks about Bible characters to the residents of a nearby assisted living facility. They are of many denominations and our discussions are interesting. I began with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The next session we went on to Joseph. Last time it was Moses. We are noting the journey these people embarked upon, traveling from Ur to the Promised Land. We are also aware of the journey as their concept of God and how He is to be worshipped grew more spiritual. Next time we will learn about Joshua, Deborah and Ruth. Before I get to David, we will spend time with Samuel, this important prophet, and study his life work.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if, like Samuel, we could become more aware of divine Love speaking so clearly to us each morning! If we could respond with childlike trust, communing with Him. Is God as real to you as your best friend? He should be.

with a grateful heart
Candace