Timeliness of the Holy Spirit

I’m not sure where the past 50 days have gone.  While the season of Lent is only 40 days long, that seemed to take much more time than this season of Easter.  And yet this Sunday is the day of Pentecost and with it the season of Easter is ended.  It strikes me that it is part of our human nature that enjoyable events seem to “fly by,” while things that are difficult or testing seem to take “forever.” 
I am sure the 10 days in between Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit felt much longer than that for the apostles and other faithful, as they waited, but not knowing for what.  Similarly, the following 10 days must have sped by “in the blink of an eye” as they experience the indwelling of God’s Spirit in new and awesome ways.
Being aware of this seemingly fickle passage of time is what is most important, regardless of the events, as it reminds us to be reflective in the midst of joy AND sorrow, pleasure AND pain, the good times AND the difficult ones.  When we recognize the nature of the experience, we can see how our faith enhances the experience, offering God glory and thanksgiving for the joy of the moment or asking for strength and courage to face things we would rather avoid.  This is taking time, this is living, this is life.
In those moments of honest reflection, we can recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  We are blessed to be part of the Church at a time when the Spirit’s has always been.  We have never lived a moment when the Spirit wasn’t present to us, even if we were not present to her. 
In honor of the special present of the Holy Spirit that was given to us on the day of Pentecost, dedicate yourselves to being present to the Holy Spirit in your life every day.  It doesn’t have to be a special or difficult moment. In fact, it may even be better if it is just a typical Wednesday when life is just going along.  Those moments are just as important as any other, and if you can recognize the presence of the Spirit NOW, then, when you want to be open to the Spirit at other times, it will be easier to know and feel.
For me, I need to focus on my breath, to be in touch with my core energy, the pneuma that flows in and out of my body, to feel the Spirit’s presence.  I find it reassuring that when I make the time to recognize the Spirit, she is always there – and sometimes, even when I am not expecting it, the Spirit makes her presence known, reminding me that I need to be aware of God always and in all ways.   
The Holy Spirit is indeed the gift that keeps on giving, for which we take a day to celebrate and a lifetime, made up of moments, to enjoy the benefits. 
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.
In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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