Spiritual Bread Crumbs

I am sure you remember the story of Hansel and Gretel. It is a Brothers Grimm fairy tale about children abandoned in the forest who drop bread crumbs as they walk along in order to try and find their way home. Well, I recently had a day of noticing “spiritual bread crumbs” that had been dropped along my path, all leading me to remember just how ever present our God is.

I had reason to be in the county criminal court building (no, I wasn’t in trouble, just needed to give a testimony for someone). I wasn’t excited about the whole situation and it got worse once I stepped into the elevator. I pushed the number for the top floor and an attorney standing there with me remarked, “Sure sorry you have to go there. Boy, I do everything in my power to avoid that floor!” Things were going from tough to tougher!

I was pondering the gently thumping ache on the side of my head as the doors opened. And there she sat-a slightly disheveled, middle aged women totally consumed with her really big, black bible. She was sitting in the hallway all by herself reading away (looked like she was in an Old Testament book, maybe about half way through. It might have been Psalms or Proverbs. I digress.) I smiled as I saw her deep in thought. It was a gentle reminder that God is whispering to us, no matter where we are or what we are doing.

Further down the hallway I sat down and waited, and waited, and waited for my turn. And about that time, a toddler nearby started playing with one of his musical toys and a kid’s song began to waft down that busy corridor. That intense crowd was being serenaded with “Jesus loves me this I know…’cause the bible tells me so…” It was yet another reminder that God is actively pressing Himself into our lives, regardless of where we are.

A few minutes later, down the hallway the other way, I overheard a young man telling a buddy about his life. He was relating the ups and downs and then paused. He said…”You know, I think I have the character I have in large part because of my time in a private Christian school. The teachers sure were strict, but they gave me a great sense of responsibility and a bunch of good morals.” There He was again. It was the Lord reminding me that His word is alive and active, making a difference in people’s lives.

I gave my testimony and headed home with a renewed sense of wonder. During an ordinary day, filled with stress and uncertainty, the creator of the universe was “leaving little spiritual bread crumbs “all over my world just so I couldn’t possibly forget about His love and care.

I think David understood about God making sure we know He is always present when he wrote the words to Psalm 139. Look at verses 7-10:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence” If I go up to the heavens, you are there, if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.”

If you are questioning God’s presence in your life today, start paying attention to all the “spiritual bread crumbs.” They are everywhere…leading you home!

Warmest Regards in Christ,
Sherry L. Worel
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools