"Ruah"

John 3 : 7 - 15

...everyone who is born of the Spirit

How is it that the young people today often seem so sure of themselves? I was talking with my elder son about the challenges (especially to his faith) of going to a university after a sheltered thirteen years in school. He has not qualms about it at the moment, as he believes that he would be able to handle it. A dear friend of mine actually spotted a book entitled "How to stay Christian in college" and gave it to him...at least he is looking through it in his free time now.

Being sure of things can be a plus point and yet in matters of faith, Jesus tries to tell Nicodemus that the logical sequence of things......may not be all there is, in the spiritual realm. Indeed, the Spirit 'blows where he will' like the wind. Perhaps this is why many Christians are not comfortable with talk about the Holy Spirit's action in their lives. In theory yes, we have all received the Spirit, but in my own church background there was never a balanced exposure to a personal appreciation of the Spirit in my life. There have been excesses among some groups but that does not mean suppression by the more cautious.

I had always been aware of the more obvious manifestations of the Spirit among Christians. But it took time to realize that the Spirit comes in quieter ways as well. It need not always be a special 'tongue' or something dramatic. The Spirit blows in gentle 'breaths' as well, in the inner movements that one can become aware of with some attention and practice. The quiet guidance, the unexplained peace and joy, the certainty of a 'presence' with us........I can now be confident that I have experienced the Spirit's blowing in my life. Nothing dramatic or externally visible, just an inner sense of his presence. Being born anew is something we have all gone through.....and this Spirit who dwells within will blow where he will......in open and receptive hearts.