One recent Sunday morning we were in this mental battle of “should we stay home or go to church?” We had just rolled off of a busy week and it was tempting to stay home. “Boy, we sure could use a down morning to catch our breath” was the tone of our conversation.

But, a last minute decision was made to go… and just like that, we were off!  Not looking too pretty and feeling a bit un-prepared (well more like a whole lot unprepared)!

We could hear the praise band already playing as we were making our way into the building. We were late!  So of course I was walking in my mom walk. You know the one…leading the pack several steps ahead that says “Come on, pick up the pace, we are late”.

We entered the sanctuary and had to rely on the usher holding-a-flashlight to find seats for us. Awkward! He led us to our row and we were fortunate to enter without much disruption to the people around us.  Of course I was still leading the pack, so I entered into the row first.

What I saw changed me.

I was seated next to a blind woman and at her feet sat her beautiful leader dog.

The first song ended and it was time to say our normal “good morning” to the folks around us. This blind woman had sensed my presence and immediately extended her hand toward me with a warm smile on her face. Gently I cupped in her hand with both of mine and said “hello”.

The band continued on with a few more songs and I kept glancing over at the woman next to me. Her face spoke of joy and peace as she sang and swayed along with the music. And oh, her smile lit up the room as she worshipped our Father! Throughout the service I could hear her comment in agreement to pastors words and laugh at his silly jokes. Her enthusiasm was infectious!  With her hands in her lap, and clutching the leash of her dog, she listened to the sermon so intently.

From the figuration of her eyes she looked as if she has been blind since birth? I began to wonder if this mid-sixties woman had ever had moments throughout her life when she cried out to God “Why?,  why me?” Did she have times when depression or frustration sank in over the difficulties and challenges she encountered? Or, did she always have this look of joy and peace on her face?

Throughout the remainder of the service my thoughts kept drifting back to this woman and the obstacles in life that each of us face. Different obstacles, yet still they all present pain and challenges to our everyday life.  Each one of us has had a mountain or several mountains to climb.  Maybe you are climbing a mountain right now? Life is hard.

I still remain in awe of this blind woman. She sat next to me for a little over an hour that Sunday morning and spoke to me without-saying-a-word (there is such beauty in her unknown awareness and impact too).  I am also in constant awe of how God works. How he used this woman to speak to me about my own struggles and the mountain I am climbing.

In the midst of my storm, do I and can I always radiate peace? Does joy bounce off my face? Sadly, I know I fall short.

Since that rush-out-the-door Sunday morning I have spent a lot of time thinking about that day and my shortcomings.  I may not always radiate joy and peace all over my face, but I do have hope! 

With this hope, I can face each day as I trust in God’s perfect plan.

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