Her Father's Eyes

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Six

In booking a speaker for the Women's Winter Interlude event at our church this past February, we discovered our guest would be traveling with a companion. We knew the speaker, but who was this other gal, her "assistant", who would be joining us on this occasion? Along with our guest and her family, I began praying for this other lady daily. I truly believe it was at this point, without ever meeting her, God birthed a very special friendship.

As soon as we met, I knew a kindred spirit had been found. She has a quiet confidence and grace that is so attractive, all wrapped in outward beauty as well. Almost instantly two things about her unnerved me, yet, at the same time, drew me to her. She posed a lot of personal questions and she looked past words as she listened to my heart. No passing, casual comment was wasted. She dug deep. She asked the how, what, where, when and why's. I received her undivided attention and felt appreciated and valued.

At supper that evening I'll never forget the kind gesture she made. As we sat across from one another, she leaned forward, blew out the candles on the centre of the table and said, "I want to see you when I talk to you." She is all about 'seeing'. Seeing past phrases, sentences, facial expressions, body language and into the very core of my heart. She knows the art of listening, and realizes it involves so much more than just 'hearing'.

Before we parted ways she hugged me and told me to keep in touch - a kindness she may have regretted, as I took her up on this invitation. E-mails flowed back and forth and she became a trusted and true friend.

One night, in much confusion, I poured my heart out to her regarding a decision I needed to make and fears that were consuming me. She did more than just encourage. She acted on my behalf. Not saying a word she put into motion the path that led me to "She Speaks". Without her intervention, I wonder if my ears would have been so tuned to hear God's 'Go'.



Holly, you are a treasure. You read between the lines and respond to words not spoken. You offer advice and encouragement. You point me to Jesus. You've shared wonderful ideas with me to empower my prayer time with my family and strengthen my marriage. Your words are so often showers of blessings poured over a scorched and thirsty soul. Although you are so busy, you still always find time for me, and your messages hold depth of insight and wisdom. Excitement abounds. Enthusiasm explodes. Love lingers.

Seeing you again a couple of weekends ago was such a highlight for me. I was so excited to share with you how God had answered prayer in such an awesome way - above and beyond what I could have asked or imagined. When your eyes met mine Friday afternoon, I no longer felt so alone in the foreign country God had called me to - I had a friend. You know that feeling when you've made an appointment with a friend for lunch or a movie and you arrive first at the location, waiting for your girlfriend to arrive? As you scan a sea of faces with expectancy, suddenly you see her and your heart lifts with delight. That was the anticipation and joy I was feeling.

You are continually blessing me. Just a couple of days ago you sent me such a word of encouragement. You dream God-sized dreams for me and call me to pray and seek God's plans for my life. You invite me to travel from the mundane to the miraculous and not settle for mediocrity.

Without the action you took on March 17th I may well have missed the most amazing weekend of my life and lost a precious opportunity to find joy in a BIG God. I owe you so much my friend. I can never repay you for what you did, but I pray God will bless you abundantly and fulfill all the desires of your heart. I think God sent you to our church in February as His gift just for me. I'm sure the tag on the wrapping must have read, "To Joy, From God". You were a beautiful surprise package who's friendship continues to be one of my greatest blessings. Thank you for seeing me through our Father's eyes.

Love, prayers and hugs,
Joy