Ever so often, a rainbow appears

Sometimes, I doubt whether God hears me or whether He's really there. Then something happens to ensure I absolutely know that God is with me. And then, I have to repent and tell God that I'm sorry and ask Him to forgive me for doubting His existence.

I went to a bookstore on Tuesday for some literary consolation, following a rather numbing root canal treatment.

I stopped by the travel section to get a book on Washington D.C. (I'll be travelling there in mid-August with a dear friend, and staying with her in her apartment for two weeks or so.) I then skipped through the military history section and ended up in the inspirational/religious section.

I went through all the Christian books from A to Z.

I picked up four books after asking God what books He wanted me to read:
- Too Busy Not To Pray (Bill Hybels)
- Orthodoxy (G.K.Chesterton)
- How To Hear From God (Joyce Meyer)
- The Wounded Healer (Henri Nouwen)

Henri Nouwen was, to me, a dark horse. I knew him only as a Catholic priest and writer, and had never read any of his books. But I had read of him as well as of Thomas Merton in many Christian articles, which cited their insightful writings on faith and Christ.

On returning home, I went online to download some sermon podcasts from my church. The next day, I listened to one of them during my cab ride to work.

The podcast sermon was from a recent youth service. The youth pastor started her sermon with a story. When she finished telling it and said that it had been written by Henri Nouwen, I could feel the hairs on my body standing.

I just said silently in my heart: "Yes Lord, I know you really want me to read this book. Thank you for making it very clear."

I told God: "God, sometimes I am overwhelmed by Your presence. Forgive me."

I have finished listening to that sermon on faith, and I am starting on Henri Nouwen's book.