Where's Waldo?

Back in the 1980’s when our children were young, I recall a book that found its way to our home that fascinated all of us.   I believe it was titled Where’s Waldo?    The book features a slender boy wearing glasses and a red and white striped shirt named Waldo.   Though it was a book, it also was a game as the intent of the author was for the reader to search on a page filled with many people and many activities until you discovered where is Waldo.   I can remember in the corners of my mind sitting there for long periods of time with my daughter, Ginger, looking at the pages of that book as she searched her eyes on each page to discover where is Waldo.  Many times, it was a challenge trying to discover where was Waldo on the busy page.

I share that story from my past not just because it a sweet memory, but because I think it is metaphor of sorts about our relationship with God.   As the pages of that book were busy with many people and activities, most of us find ourselves busy with the activities of day to day life-  work, family, household tasks, and a myriad of activities.   Think about it for a moment if you will.  When a friend or family asks how you are doing, most of us respond with a comment detailing how busy we have been.   Oh, we are so busy just as the pages of that book about Waldo. 

However, just as Waldo was on each page of the busy pages of that book, so the living God is there in the midst of every day.  Sometimes, it is hard to see God particularly when we are consumed by trial, trouble, or tragedy;  other times, it seems the sight and voice of God is so clear that it seems that God is shouting as us.    Oh, to have the ability to see Him in the good times and the bad, in the busy times and the times where life is less consuming.

One of the early founders of the faith tradition that I am apart of was an English clergy man named John Wesley.   They say that when John Wesley was on his death bed, his final words were these:’  “The best of all is this:  God is with us.”   Oh, to know that truth each and every day.  Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   Living God, give us hearts to perceive and eyes to see you each and every day of our lives.  Forgive us for the times that we allow the times we allow the cares of this world to stifle our spirits from seeing you and knowing you;  through Christ our Lord.  Amen.