God’s love revealed in many ways

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“Someone said to me once that we can see the features of God in a

single smile. Look for that smile in the people you meet.”

-- CHRISTOPHER DE VINCK

“Cindy, I like what you wrote in a column about people who feel

God’s love through nature,” a friend said. “We have sure had powerful

displays of nature lately. But I really experience God through other

people, mostly those I know, but sometimes through people I don’t

know.

“There’s a saying that says something to the effect that people

are God with skin on, and I think that there is a lot of truth in

those words. I have certainly felt that from others, and I hope that

there are people who feel that through me, at least sometimes! Some

days I do a better job of it than others, but I keep trying.”

I knew what my friend meant, and I agreed with her that some days

are easier than others to be an example and an expression of God’s

love.

She referred to a recent column I wrote that mentioned a woman who

really felt God’s love manifested through nature. I wrote that I too

am reminded of God’s power, love and faithfulness when I look at what

he has created, such as pounding waves, cooling breezes, singing

birds, sunrises and sunsets.

But I also agree that I can sense God’s love in the most profound

ways through others, in the ways they show their love, patience,

kindness, forgiveness and encouragement.

Occasionally, I meet someone new who will greet me with such

warmth that I feel an instant bond and connection. I am often amazed

by what a smile from someone can do to make me feel accepted and

respected.

I recently attended a meeting where everyone knew each other, and

I was the only newcomer. Not only did I not feel like an ‘outsider,’

but everyone went out of his and her way to make me feel welcome. It

was as if God smiled and greeted me through each one of them.

I’ve been especially touched lately by the many ways friends and

family have shown their love for me. I was feeling weary, and my soul

was thirsty, but God knew how to nourish my soul and renew my spirit

through others’ notes, phone calls, e-mails and flowers.

One day, I listened to the answering machine and one friend had

left a message that said, “God brought you to my mind today, so I

just wanted to let you know how special you are and how much I love

you.” The next day, I received a letter that said almost the same

thing, and I listened and read the messages several times.

I am thankful for the many creative ways God shows his love for

me, and I don’t want to take any of them for granted. I also pray

that God will show me how to do the same for others, through

something I can do, a message I can send or a smile I can share.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.