Many Names, Same God

My husband and I recently visited family and friends on the Atlantic in Florida. His cousins have a beautiful place on the beach, a place that restores me. In addition to experiencing God’s beautiful creation, it’s a restorative time for my husband and his cousin who reminisced about the family. The ocean with its power and beauty grounds me into God’s presence. It’s a tangible way for me to “Be still and know God.” 

After a beautiful walk on the beach one day, we cooled off for a while in the pool. We met some neighbors who were heading home east for a few months after being here for the winter. We began talking about life: our families, kids and grandchildren, work and health issues. 

My cousin Nina shared how she finds these words I write encouraging and the gentleman talked about how 20 years ago he had a similar one called “thoughts to ponder.” He went deeper and shared a poem he wrote about his life and living as he was meant to live, without the facades. It was beautiful and touched us deeply. 

At that moment we were aligned in solidarity with the goodness in the world. Despite the fact that he called God “Higher Power” and we call God-God we all knew ultimate goodness.

God has many names.

It’s beautiful how simple words of encouragement can break open the bread of a deep and delicious conversation.  

Thank you Lord for a beautiful poolside exchange that warmed my heart for the day, fed and restored my soul