A Lesson in the Wind

When we woke up in Medora last Saturday, a look out the window indicated a rather windy day.  Thankfully, there was an indoor pool to entertain us for a time, but eventually we ventured out for a walk around the quaint little town in southwest North Dakota.

On our way to the play park with the grandkids, we took time to watch the wind sculptures, which were spinning quite nicely in the breeze.  We all watched in amazement as each unique piece spun in a different way.  It was also special to remember they had been donated by the John Andrist family from my hometown of Crosby, ND.

Later, as my husband and I walked by a second time in search of a spot to have our picnic lunch, a subtle "God Message" seemed to settle in my heart as I watched them.  I found myself sharing aloud my thoughts.

"Seems to me they are a picture of how God's Holy Spirit is at work in the world.  We can't see the wind, nor can we see the Holy Spirit.  Yet in both cases what we do see is the effect they have on the objects (or people!) they come in contact with."

The force of the wind on the sculptures make them spin, twirl and offer a fascinating view for anyone taking the time to stop and take them in.  In the same way, the force of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives results in the evidence of what the Bible refers to as the "fruit of the Spirit":  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  (See Galatians 5:22-23)

The Holy Spirit is also at work in lives, directing and drawing people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, who is the only way to gain access to our Heavenly Father.  In John 14:6, Jesus replies to a question asked by one of His disciples, Thomas, indicating He is not only the way, but also the truth and life. 

Hopefully, some day, you will be able to feast your eyes on the wind sculptures in Medora, ND.  When you do, it is also my prayer you will be reminded of the Holy Spirit at work in our world. . .never seen directly, but always gently making an impact on lives, causing them to become all they were designed to be.