how the light gets in

I’m not a Biblical Scholar or a God expert. Period.

Now that that’s clear, can we take a look at the burning bush story in Exodus? God is trying to get Moses’ attention. So, he lights a bush on fire. Wouldn’t have been my first attention-grabbing choice. And, I’m not God.

The burning bush is not burning up; intrigued Moses moves closer. God then says,

‘Moses, Moses! Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

Exodus 3:5

Holy Ground.

What if God is asking Moses to take off his sandals so he can stand firm and connected to the holy ground. Slide your feet out of your shoes now. Wriggle your toes a bit. Tell God thanks for where you are right this moment. This moment, wherever you are, because you invite God in – I believe (again not a theologian) but I believe you are on Holy Ground.

Looking for Joy, Hoping for Miracles – it can be exhausting and feel small minded. I hope that doesn’t come across as offensive or sacrilegious. I’m just so convinced that God is bigger than what we imagine. God is more creative and hope-giving than we give Him credit for, and that God loves us more than we can grasp… so why not realize where you are, with whom you are speaking and take off your dang shoes.

Holy doesn’t just happen for saints or in a church either. It doesn’t. I believe Holy happens in…

• Random coincidences: when you bump into a friend while on a walk. And walking – WALKING – is hard for both of you today, but you are both out and both just need encouragement and are there to high five each other at just the right moment.

• In the quiet: journaling at home with the most sacred of stained glass windows to look through (courtesy of the cutest 6 year old).

• Nature: when the “burning bush” is a row of trees ablaze in yellow and you stop to take it in.

• In God’s word: spending time to get to know His voice, learn His attention to detail, and appreciate His character.

Holy, holy NO!!! a sink full of dishes is not holy. Sorry.

A few weeks ago, I got a call-back for my mammogram. The doctor found something and wanted a second look. That’s never encouraging. So, I invited God into my freak out session so I wouldn’t drown. I went for the second mammogram. They called me back, yet again, for an ultrasound.

Sitting in that robe, waiting for the doctors results; I said out loud, “Hey God, we’re good right? No matter what happens next. We are good.”

And then this popped up on the computer screen:

That dimly lit ultrasound room of the Cancer Institute all at once felt holy. Coincidence, crazy, Alexa… I call it God.

I call it God seeing his Andrea being dramatic and scared and needing a clear reminder of Him in her life. Holy, holy, holy.

I took a deep breath and exhaled calmly knowing no matter what God would be with me. I was also smiling because MAN does God get me! To experience peace knowing a huge, ancient God is alive enough and close enough to see me and answer me (literally) felt sacred and holy. (Scans came back good.)

God starts His book with a sweet Post It note, “I am with you and will watch over you where you go.” Genesis 28:15. I have felt it.

Smack dab in the middle of the Bible, Isaiah says, “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord.. the whole earth is full of His glory!” (6:3) I have seen it.

Then there’s Jesus! Jesus is a living example of how to love, serve, grieve, celebrate WITH God the Father. I have read it.

All this and I still don’t do it right. And still, God loves me and shows up in ways to make me shake my head in awe.

Holy sounds and feels and looks rich with reverence and full of awareness. And that has everything to do with God. When you invite God in you are allowing His presence to make that moment holy. Sooooo…. what are you waiting for? What am I waiting for?

Should we take off our shoes?

Let’s invite God in and then look, listen, wait – let it be holy.