July 8
And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Acts 2:8
Loud chatter and laughter met my ears as my friend and I arrived at her home for supper. The scent of sauteing garlic and onions mixed with tomato sauce and freshly baked bread filled the air. Finally, I had accepted her invitation after declining several. Having been with her parents and siblings on many prior occasions, communication with them was difficult at best, for they had arrived from Italy not long before and had little comprehension of the English language. She though, after much study in Italy was fluent in the language. As a typical young teen, I felt awkward about my inability to communicate with her family. But having heard her mother say many times, “Come eat,” I knew I was most welcomed and that it would make my friend happy for me to be there. We sat down to dinner with her animated extended family members. The chorus of multiple conversations increased, along with the clatter of utensils on plates filled with pasta and the chink of ice in glassware. Sadly, I could not understand a thing and was beginning to feel stressed with my discomfort! Out in left field I felt! Soon though, with the gestures being sent my way, my friend’s interpretation of what was being said around us, and her diligence at keeping up with the conversation directed toward me; I was beginning to feel a part of it. Still my head was spinning! Then in the warmth and caring I felt at that table, before I knew it my awkwardness was leaving and I was laughing and smiling along with everyone else and enjoying the delicious meal her mother had made. Although I may not have understood their language, I learned from that supper that understanding was more than words.
I can’t imagine how the people in this Scripture passage must have felt when they, in all their diversity, heard and were able to comprehend what the apostles were saying! How incredible! What a miracle! No one was left out of the communication; there was no awkwardness; no need for an interpreter; all were included! All understood! It makes me think about immigrant families today and how isolated and uncomfortable they must feel at times! What a challenge for them! What lessons our Lord is giving us - that we, with all our differences, are one in Him.
We are your people Lord, and you made each of us unique. Yet, as different as we may be, how awesome that we may hear and understand your Word!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Acts 2:8
Loud chatter and laughter met my ears as my friend and I arrived at her home for supper. The scent of sauteing garlic and onions mixed with tomato sauce and freshly baked bread filled the air. Finally, I had accepted her invitation after declining several. Having been with her parents and siblings on many prior occasions, communication with them was difficult at best, for they had arrived from Italy not long before and had little comprehension of the English language. She though, after much study in Italy was fluent in the language. As a typical young teen, I felt awkward about my inability to communicate with her family. But having heard her mother say many times, “Come eat,” I knew I was most welcomed and that it would make my friend happy for me to be there. We sat down to dinner with her animated extended family members. The chorus of multiple conversations increased, along with the clatter of utensils on plates filled with pasta and the chink of ice in glassware. Sadly, I could not understand a thing and was beginning to feel stressed with my discomfort! Out in left field I felt! Soon though, with the gestures being sent my way, my friend’s interpretation of what was being said around us, and her diligence at keeping up with the conversation directed toward me; I was beginning to feel a part of it. Still my head was spinning! Then in the warmth and caring I felt at that table, before I knew it my awkwardness was leaving and I was laughing and smiling along with everyone else and enjoying the delicious meal her mother had made. Although I may not have understood their language, I learned from that supper that understanding was more than words.
I can’t imagine how the people in this Scripture passage must have felt when they, in all their diversity, heard and were able to comprehend what the apostles were saying! How incredible! What a miracle! No one was left out of the communication; there was no awkwardness; no need for an interpreter; all were included! All understood! It makes me think about immigrant families today and how isolated and uncomfortable they must feel at times! What a challenge for them! What lessons our Lord is giving us - that we, with all our differences, are one in Him.
We are your people Lord, and you made each of us unique. Yet, as different as we may be, how awesome that we may hear and understand your Word!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson