Recently we were out ministering at one of the care points. Claire was sitting next to Zola, a 14 year old Swazi boy who is blind. Zola loves to sit close, cocking his head and ear toward whoever is speaking and really listening to the words. He also loves to hold your hand. Often his fingers will find their way into your hair or along the side of your face, as if Zola is trying to 'see' you through his sense of touch. As with most blind people, I imagine, Zola's other senses seem to be more alert, more keen, heightened.

 

As I've reflected on that moment over the past several days it strikes me how similarly the Father loves us. In our blindness we find our way to His side and lean in and try to experience His presence. We listen and feel our way into His mighty hands and seek to follow His design for our lives. We copy the motion and movement of His will until we feel confident enough to let go and step into our own creative expression. He is never far from our side, however, as we are reminded by His ever present Spirit surrounding us and encouraging us...satisfied with our efforts and beaming with pride; always ready and willing to take our small hand back into His strong grip and remind us again the plans and purpose He has for us; a message of mercy and grace written across the surface of our heart.

His perfect expression of love...