Expectantly Watching
A couple years ago Wendy and I went to a Diamondbacks baseball game. We had a great seat- we were even with first base, and only about 10 rows back. It was one of those games that went back and forth and I can remember feeling a bit "lulled" as I got a little too relaxed in my seat. It was the bottom of the eighth inning, 2 out, with 2 runners on base and I believe the game was tied. I could feel the crowd getting tired and quiet until Chad Tracey hit a rocket down the first base line. At the moment of contact I jumped from my seat just in time to see the chalk flying in the air- it was a fair ball, 2 runs scored, and the Diamondbacks went on to win the baseball game.
Since the ball game I've been thinking about those of us who saw the chalk flying in the air when Tracey's ball finally hit the ground. If I had not jumped from my seat and had been looking in the right direction, I would have missed the excitement of the moment. Paying close attention; expectantly looking in the right direction made the difference, I think- and our ability to notice God working in the world is no different!
I meet people every week who say to me "Where is God?" "I really didn't experience God's presence in worship today." And I wonder if for some reason that they are not expectantly looking for Him. I wonder if for some reason there is something masking the presence and power of God. I know for me, anyway, that when I expectantly look and listen for God I find Him every time.
