I've been in Colorado for a week and this morning am flying home after a backpacking trip, a leader's retreat, and a visit with my brother and his family. The ministry of this blog community hasn't missed my absence, thanks largely to Patti Blakely, who helps administer this blog.  She's had a summer of spiritual revival and shared the following recently:

A friend reminded me today to slow down and listen. I am guilty of letting all of the noise during the day stop me from hearing the soft, sweet voice of God. I have always had to run at a breakneck pace to meet the corporate demands of increased productivity. Day 2 of my AIM mission trip stopped me in my tracks.

We were working with 80 elementary school students. God told me to trust him in finding one very special child that day. I stood and watched and waited, and suddenly I had two little girls who were clinging to me and pleading, "Play with me! Play with me! Come with me to the next room!"

Then more and more children also came after me, clamoring for attention. The situation seemed to be getting out of control, so I walked away, leaving the kids and finding a quiet spot in the grass.

As I sat down, a little girl came and sat next to me and said not a word. She took my arm and put it around her.

I asked her name, but she only smiled in response. She held my hand and snuggled until lunch.

As we walked up the path, she finally said something to me: "We have the best Dad in the world you know? My daddy left us on earth. But my real Dad promised me that he will never leave me."

I asked her what she meant, and in a sweet and innocent voice she replied,"God loves me and you. I love you and thank you for the hug, it made me warm."

The exchange stuck me to the core. I used to think that when God speaks to us it is only during private devotional times. I used to think that his messages would be as loud and spectacular as fireworks.

Instead he brought me close to him with a child's hug. The ember of that hug and smile will stay with me always. One small act of kindness at a time, reflecting the love of our Father.

What means has God spoken to you this summer?