The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
Were you in worship on Sunday? If you were, you know that the wind was a powerful part of our worship experience. An umbrella was turned inside out, the coffee tent started to blow away, and our voices, even amplified, were carried off by the wind. It was tricky to lead worship under such conditions, but it was probably most challenging for our pianist, Abe. From the moment he sat down at the keyboard until the final notes of worship, Abe was struggling to keep his music right side up and on the stand. We found clothespins and binder clips thinking that would help, and it kind of did. The sheets at least were clipped together when they blew off.
At home that afternoon I kept thinking about those clothespins and binder clips, and how they were no match for the wind. How often do we try to control the movement of the Spirit in a similar manner? The Holy Spirit isn’t always a nice, refreshing breeze coming into our lives. Sometimes she comes and messes up our music, rearranging pages so that we have to trust our training and ear instead of simply reading the notes. Sometimes she comes and we resist her nudges, and, not wanting to change course, we put clothespins and binder clips around our carefully laid plans thinking that will do the trick. Experience tells me that the Holy Spirit has a pretty good sense of humor. She makes note of our clothespins and binder clips and nods, knowingly, at our resistance to change. But she keeps moving. The wind blows where it chooses, just as the Spirit keeps working in, on, and through us, even when we try to keep things just so.
Today I invite you to reflect on times when the Spirit was rearranging your music, calling forth some changes in our life that you maybe didn’t think you were ready for.
When have you put your trust in clothespins and binder clips more so than the guidance of the Spirit?
When has the Spirit carried you off into a new direction? How did that feel in the moment and in hindsight?
What Spirit activities have opened your eyes to know God and your own heart more fully?
When have you really just wanted things to stay put but the wind was too powerful?
The wind blows where it chooses despite our clothespins and binder clips, as does the Spirit. Thanks be to God.
In Peace, Pastor Ruth
Let us pray:
Lead us, Gracious God, and shape us by the grace of Christ and the inspiration of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts to expand our understanding of patience and self-control, that we may grow in our ability to reflect your love and grace to those we meet this day. All this we ask in the name of Christ, Amen.