A Faith Story by Tami Lewis

I met God today

I was enveloped in a warm embrace that I felt clear down to my bones.  God smelled of fertile soil and growing things.  I looked up into sacred blues and whites and felt God ruffle my hair.  

Throughout God’s raiment moved all manner of small creatures: cute and innocuous, leggy and dangerous. I said to God, “Thank you for the butterflies, bees and all the beautiful flowers and creatures! But, why spiders? Earwigs? Rascally little chipmunks? Stinging nettle?” God replied, “They all have a role to play in my creation, whether from your point of view they are good or bad.  I created them all, I love them all.  You should, too.” I smiled, knowing the instruction was meant for more than just bugs and plants.

I wondered later if any of my neighbors witnessed my interaction with God.  I expect, if they did, they just thought I was working in my garden.