Maglia

When I was young, I had a great aunt named Maglia. She was from Italy. She wore all black since she was a widow. She tended the garden, which is where I usually saw her. I thought she was way cool, mostly because she was mysterious.

Maglia spoke no English (or wouldn't speak it.) However, Maglia knew a universal language.

"Cookie?" (she said this in English, not using the Italian "biscotti.") I never answered, "No." We would retreat to the kitchen.

God presents a similar mystery to me. We have tradition, value, cultural and language difficulties. I struggle while being intrigued at the same time. God's universal language begins with, "Love?"

I hope you will retreat into God's kitchen today to receive some love and to spread some around. Lord knows the world needs it.

 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the Lord.
⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
¹² You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
¹³ Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord's renown,
    for an everlasting sign,
    that will endure forever." Isaiah 55:8-13 (NIV)