Rocks In My Pocket

And Lightning Across the Skies!

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. (1 John 4:7, MSG)

Oooohh, Ahhhh!” we chorused together.

“Did you see those black clouds light up? Amazing!” One friend exclaimed.

“Yeah, and that one that went sideways across the lake!” I raved.

It wasn’t the Fourth of July, but our outbursts sounded like it. The lightning display viewed over the lake in our beautiful retreat getaway was outstanding.

“God’s Fireworks!” we called it.

Though only half of us “Story Leaders” from my writing group could attend this year’s retreat, we greeted it in high anticipation. Even with all our differences, our shared writings and a bond in Christ create a “heavenly family” atmosphere. We walk, sing, joke, and worship while we lick fingers sticky from indulging in s’mores. We love each other and know we were loved by God and each other. There’s no greater respite than knowing that.

Many of us bring special gifts or trinkets to share with the others on retreat. This year, because I’ve traveled out of the darkness of last winter’s depression and back into the light, I found myself clinging to these small treasures in great thankfulness.

One beloved Story Leader friend, busy with other endeavors this year, found time to drive down to spend the day with us. What a joyful reunion for all of us! She brought us fun gift bags with candles, doggie paperclips, and other small treasures. Talk about feeling loved!

Another special friend made pens filled with tiny colorful pebbles from sea glass found along her New Jersey shores. All differently colored, all unique, just like us. She also included a lovely little journal and Bible verse magnet. The verse on mine, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), brings tears to this day because it appeared over and over during my breakdown in my twenties. Amazing that of these randomly distributed verse magnets, I ended up with this one! It’s another reminder that I am seen and only need to rest in Him.

Another dear friend collected small gray rocks from her childhood home’s beach, on which nature etched white lines resembling natural crosses. She’s also very crafty and taught us how to fold paper to make special cards, loading her suitcase with all the needed supplies. And she used her Cricut machine to make each of us a beautiful winter wonderland cut-out to display at home, just add tealights. Could we be any more blessed than this?

Our prayer leader brought beautiful little polished heart rocks to share from the glass museum where her daughter is now a director, exciting us towards a road trip in the future.

And our friend with stage 4 cancer brought us all lovely wooden crosses to hold, the kind that you wrap your fingers around and fit right into your hand. She added little bee charms on them as a reminder of her. Now, whenever I sit, I grab it, and the little bee reminds me to pray for her.

The weekend after returning home from the Story Leader retreat, I headed out to Amish country south of us with three of my prayer sisters. At this second retreat, the counselor leading us left us with a small token of the weekend—a polished rock with a gilded cross etched into the top. Gleefully, I added this to my pocket collection, joining the other two rock momentos and a small wooden thumb-rubbing cross my Women’s Ministry director gifted us last year.

Now as I walk, my pockets are weighted and full and clinking! My hand loves to reach down and find one to grab.

But my delight doesn’t stem from the objects rattling in my pocket. No, my joy stems from the reminders of the wonderful friendships and love shared through these offerings and special times of togetherness, witnessing the God we love at work-- “lightning bolt” moments of shared love and awe.

Truly, can anyone be more richly blessed than from the love and friendship of God and others?

I think not!

Thanks for reading!

Maybe share a time you remember as a “lightning bolt” moment with friends, or what you carry around in your pockets?

May God richly bless you as you go about your day!