where waves grow sweet

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:1

I decided recently that I would like to stay single. There were many reasons, some very good and noble, and some that probably speak more of my immaturity. Regardless, I could really see my life moving forward without that sort of companion for the journey. To be honest, it was quite freeing. But then, while I was walking on Saturday, God stuck his foot in this door I was slamming shut. Almost as if to say, “hold up… let’s talk.”

I was driving through my usual streets in Irvine this morning, lingering in the sweet space between thought, prayer, and quietness. Just as I was turning right onto Orange Arrow, the warm and sunny road that points to the home office where I work, I got a mental picture.  I don’t know what it is about walking and driving, but every bit of understanding I ever seem to get comes at these times.

The picture was clear. It was of God planting treasure in a man’s heart, and beckoning me to find it. It was beautiful, really, and made me want to follow the dots on the map that would lead me there. Not necessarily because the person was so enticing, but because the Spirit of God planted in his heart was. And it felt fun. As if God were like a playful parent hiding chocolate-filled Easter eggs in tall grass and shrubbery, and tossing a trail of hints to an expectant child. (Although, unlike me, he probably remembers where he hides the treats.)

What it really got me thinking about was the way he does this with all sorts of people in all sorts of ways. Even though he could just download everything we need straight from his Spirit, he buries truths and love and delights – pieces of himself – in other people, and leads us to find them. It almost seems like there are parts of him we can only access that way; through the bending and learning and understanding that goes on when we get to know other people. After all, he is a triune God who exists in relationship, and a God of love which demands a recipient. So it makes sense that we, being made in his image, would be drawn into relationship not only with him but with the people he loves. Which pretty much makes us a treasure trove for each other.

So I have a renewed excitement to follow wherever his treasure map and hints will lead me, giggling in delight as I catch glimpses of the knowing sparkle in his eyes.