Gifts from Israel...and thoughts of many nations.

Last week I connected with a friend who had recently been in Israel. We haven't had much chance to connect, but when we do it is always so rich. She is a dear sister to me, and we just bubble over each time we meet.

This time we actually had time to sit and talk...for several hours. We shared stories and laughed, and I cried. The waitress we had was amazing. It made me think of other servers who have encountered such visits and their perfect timing with more water...a desert menu...or a cup of tea. We were in my home town this time, at "Jane Bond"...and as the dinner crowd shifted into the student night life we told stories of what Jesus was doing in our lives.

We both had lots to share. Somehow I am still amazed that He is so alive and active in all of our lives, so uniquely with each of us. Sometimes I wonder if that is how it is for everyone knows Him....and I pray that it is. At least it seems that way with each person I've had the chance to visit this year...there seems something so fresh and wonderful. Stories of personal growth and pilgrimage fill the pages of our conversations. I'm usually blessed by the firey new life in their eyes...and I hope my friends see the same in me.

On this particular night, this friend asked me to follow her to her car, just for a minute. Surprise! She produced a little plastic bag and a bottle of wine. Wonderful gifts unceremoniously wrapped... but that made me smile all the more...inside were lovingly hand-selected items...presented with the biggest of smiles...and so much love. She asked me to wait until I got home before peaking inside...which I did. And I'm glad I did.

Inside were several little treasures... including a coffee mug (about all I'll share). But I remember standing in my kitchen as I opened the gifts. I stopped for a long time...just holding my breath. Until I heard the Lord say..."breathe. It's time to breathe".

There were other whispers in those gifts that went straight to my heart as well. Eventually, I heard myself say... "I remember"....and, "Je me souviens". I was surprised to hear both languages (it's been so long since I've spoken French). But in that moment I remembered the many places I've shared coffee with friends on the journey... and the places and people I have yet to see. This friend may not know it, but her gifts to me have helped me hold onto the promises Jesus has whispered to my heart over the years.

Those whispers have been coming in different ways almost every day this past week. When a gift arrived in the mail (a special coin from Israel)... I gave in...and I gave thanks again. Humbled by my doubt when faced with His faithfulness. Surprised at how easily I get wrapped up with distractions, and how consistent the reminders to press in... just to stay on the path, in spite of everything which seems contrary.

I do believe Jesus will take me to some new places. Clearly Israel has been on my heart again. But there are other places I'd like to go as well. In time, as the Lord wills.

So with fond memories of walking on far away shores, and my own precious lands...and dreaming of new places to journey, I'm again celebrating the nations. It's so fun to do that.

Especially this year as we in Canada remember the founding of Quebec City...the birth place of this young but beautiful nation. I enjoyed hearing the bells chiming together last week. All across the provinces and territories, celebrating when foreigners came to these shores. I love hearing bells...they always reminds me of Christmas morning, no matter what season it is...

And with that, I'll leave you with this song...I hope you celebrate Quebec & Canada this week too.