God's Face

By Todd Wielgos

December 1, 1999

Where do I go to see God's face?

Is it in the reflection from the stained glass windows of the ornate cathedral
Or in the rainbow after a summer evening's shower?

Is it in the wooden cross that hangs prominently in the front of a chapel
Or in the hand blistered from creating a home for one who had not?

Is it in the podium from which magnificent sermons are preached 
Or in the fulfilled faces of children 
Who won't go to bed hungry today for the first time in their lives?

Is it in the flickering candles in the front of the church 
or in a friend's eyes as he wipes tears from your heart?

For God is not confined by adorned walls or symbols of His glory. 
He cannot be described by an ancient relic or historical artifact. 
His face is in all he created. 

God's face is in the fading sunset over a wintry landscape. 
God's face is the quiet meadow 
As the three week old fawn nurses at her mother's breast.
God's face is the laughter of a little boy as he wobbles on his bicycle
Down the sidewalk for the first time without support. 
God's face can be found when we open our hearts to His love.

Where do I go to hear God's voice?
Is it in the pipe organ that plays a solemn hymn 
Or in the screams of a newborn baby as she sucks her first breath?

Is it in the words of a preacher as he pounds his fist on the pulpit 
Or in the whisper of flapping butterfly wings
As a gentle breeze carries it over the rustling grass?

Is it in the chorus of a melody that is sung on the radio 
Or in the quiet prayers of children kneeling beside their bed before sleep?

Is it in the typed text of a worn devotional book 
or in the quietness of falling snow under a full moon at midnight?

For God's voice isn't limited to man's simple understanding, 
But the awesome power of His genius. 
God's voice is in all he gave voice to. 
God's voice is heard in the whistle of wind 
Through the willows on a country lake sheltered from civilization. 
God's voice is heard in the clap of thunder during August storm. 
God's voice is heard in the last serenade of the crickets 
In the cool autumn air. 
God's voice can be heard when we still our hearts to His love.

Where do I go to feel God's touch?

Is it in the embrace of a familiar stranger sitting next to you at church
Or in the soft stroke of a grandmother's weathered finger's 
On her grandchild's cheek?

Is it the hand that distributes pamphlets 
Proclaiming God's wrath on a street corner 
Or in the grasp of a toddler 
As he wraps his tiny hand around his father's finger to guide his first steps?

Is it in the statues and decorations that adorn a sanctuary
Or in the silent reward of an unseen kind act?

Is it in the lukewarm words spoken in a time of need 
Or in the strength of another's shoulder 
When yours are too weary from life's struggles?

For God's touch isn't felt in the objects or things that we fill our lives with,
But in the indescribable moments when His presence is near. 
God's touch is in the painted face on a purple pansy
Waltzing with a gentle spring breeze.
God's touch is in the warmth of the sun shining through a frosted window
In the dead of winter. 
God's touch is felt as He guides us through the deep valley
That lies in front of us. 
God's touch is felt when He wraps His unconditional loving arms 
Around the child in all of us that longs to call Him Daddy.

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