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Imagine God Smiling at You

February 19, 2015 By Jean Wise

healthyspirituality.org

I saw this photo from the Hubble space telescope last week and just couldn’t get over it. My, doesn’t God have a sense of humor.

Visio divina is a practice I have mentioned previously here and here on this blog: when we gaze prayerfully over a photo/painting/icon and allow the image to invite us into a conversation with God. I centered on this newly discovered space photo as my prayer practice this past weekend.

One of my most favorite quotes – one that is display on my desk so I can easily see it as I write is from Anthony deMello:

“Look at God

Looking at you…

And smiling…”

Like a loving parent beholding at their sleeping infant.

Watching us with consuming compassion and mercy.

Picking us up, drying our tears and holding us as we sob.

Smiling, not at us, but with us, tenderly knowing the depth of our emotions.

What love we drink in as children of God.

This photo brought me to several Bible verses to ponder and journal about:

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.

Psalm 42:5 (The Message)

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

2 Samuel 22:20 (NIV)

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

Numbers 6:25 (NLT)

I plan on smiling more. The practice of smiling not only lifts my spirits but hopefully those around me too. 

And just maybe, I will catch a glimpse of the Lord smiling back at me and I will dance with delight.

Smile!

 

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Comments

  1. Lynn Mosher says

    February 21, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Have always loved thinking of God that way. Thank you so much for this precious reminder. Bless you!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 21, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      I do too love to think of God smiling at each of us. Blessing on you too.

  2. blankNancy Ruegg says

    February 20, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    Thank you, Jean, for the reminder that our Heavenly Father delights in us. And when I personalize that statement, it’s even more amazing: The King of the universe, MY Heavenly Father, delights in ME. Proof? He has rescued me from death. PRAISE GOD!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 21, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      You summarized this up perfectly, Nancy!!

  3. blankIreneWachsler says

    February 20, 2015 at 11:04 am

    Thank you Jean! I’m still trying to smile despite the 90+ inches of snow, ice dams, broken snow blower, broken snow rake and of course, shoveling…

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 21, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      I wrote your hubby on Facebook earlier in winter and he told me you were on your way to Florida as he was already there. Glad you did get a break from this terrible winter. Whenever I feel sorry for myself here in a NW Ohio winter, I say – could be worse, we could be in Boston! Sorry. But wow what a winter to endure. Spring is on the way though and that does bring a smile on my face. May spring soon come to Boston too. Blessings!

  4. blankCeil says

    February 19, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    Hi Jean! I saw this photo too, it really is special. I love astronomy, I’m the first to get up in the middle of the night for an eclipse; so this type of photo is right up my alley!
    You quoted one of my favorite Scriptures, the blessing of Moses. Ah…that makes me sigh and relax. “The Lord be gracious to you…” And this from a guy who knew what kind of changeable people he was leading!
    May we both always see our Lords smiles and encouraging words. I want to dance too 🙂
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 21, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      I knew I liked you. I love astronomy too. One time I woke the kids up in the middle of a freezing night to see haley’s comment telling them they may see it twice in their lifetime, something most people won’t be able to say. They remember the adventure now but not really seeing the fuzzy cotton ball comet through a telescope. crazy but good memory

  5. blankMartha Orlando says

    February 19, 2015 at 8:12 am

    What an amazing photo and such an uplifting post, Jean. Yes, I will imagine God smiling at me and I will smile back, sincerely and often. Blessings!

    • blankJean Wise says

      February 19, 2015 at 1:28 pm

      I really loved that photo too, Martha. God does have a sense of humor. Imagine him creating those stars and thinking of us.

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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