I recently completed a writing project in which I described my return to Christianity after years of involvement with Western Esotericism. One of the things that I noted was that my reversion, as it were, was a very slow process. In fact, I compared it to a being wooed by a lover.
One of the oddest things about this period of “wooing” was the way that God would surprise me with little gifts: Lost items turned up, extra money would appear whenever it was needed, surprises lurked around every corner. But the most amazing “little gift” of all was the port wine.
I had flown to Arizona on a business trip. Tired and cranky, I made my way down to the hotel restaurant for a bite to eat. The food was not particularly good, but they had a decent wine list, and the friendly waiter and I enjoyed a few pleasant minutes as I selected wines to accompany my appetizer and entree. During the meal, I had been reading one of E. F. Benson’s “Mapp and Lucia” novels, and after my plate had been cleared away, I continued to read my book.
I had reached the part in the story when one of the guests (an alcoholic army major) was conniving to be served more than his fair share of port wine. I thought to myself: “Self, some port wine would taste really good right now. I am not going to pay for it, and I’m quite sure that this place doesn’t even have any port [which admittedly is a very unfashionable beverage] but golly, some port would be just the thing right now.”
Just as I thought this, the waiter returned to my table. He set down before me a clean glass, pulled out a bottle of port wine, and poured me some, compliments of the house.
Dazed and confused, I made my way back to my room and slept on this amazing occurrence. I reported it to a co-worker the next day, who was as mystified as I was. As she noted: “It isn’t like port is all that common.”
No it isn’t. Neither is God’s love.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I love it when Himself romances us!
and UNlike most lovers, he doesn’t slack off once He knows we’re committted!