Cowbells

This past weekend, I traveled with ReachGlobal colleagues to the mountains for our annual spiritual life retreat. Tucked away in the mountains, our hotel, Casa Elim, was the perfect place for some refreshment. The weather was sunny, providing many opportunities for conversations in the sun, a stroll to town, and large group games. Sitting outside there felt so different from spending time outside in Bucharest where the sounds of horns, buses, and people constantly fill the air.

As I enjoyed time during a small group discussion, I found myself thinking about the cowbell I continued to hear in the distance. My first thought was that the bell was quite annoying, invading and interrupting my thoughts. As I continued to hear its clanging, a new thought crossed my mind. What was the purpose of the bell? I supposed it was attached in order that it might be easier to locate the cow. As I let myself consider this idea, it felt like God gently spoke to my heart: "I know where you are. You don't have to wear a bell. I see you and know where you are. Don't ever forget I know where you are." It seemed that this idea just kept replaying in my mind.

What an amazing thought! The creator and Lord of the universe knows where I am. Not only that, He has numbered the hairs on my head and knows my very thoughts. Whoa!

It leaves me wondering today...how am I different because I know He knows? Do I live differently because I can firmly rest on that truth? Do I rest in His presence and draw on His strength? Do I desire to pray without ceasing? How am I responding to this incredible gift? He knows. He knows it all!