In 1 Corinthians 13: 12 Rabbi Shaul (the Apostle Paul)
wrote: For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face
to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
As I read today’s posting, I wished that Naomi, and others who do not yet
know Messiah could experience the comfort these few well chosen words would
bring. Then I remembered that everything is in God’s hands, and the one who
created the universe and holds it together by the power of his word is able to
do all things, and in the perfect time. So if you, dear friend, are facing
obstacles take heart for he cares for you.
Segments from the Text
Naomi
could not stop herself from wishing for a fuller life, a life where she would
receive those things that she knew would complete her. She looked at Chaz and
sensed a yearning within her that prior to their encounter she had never felt
before. She wondered if the metamorphosis she witnessed outside her French
doors each spring, when caterpillars spun their cocoons and emerged later in
the season as beautiful butterflies, could be hers. Though she yearned to find
out and become all Madre Vida had spoken of on her first night at the casa, she
forced herself to asses this situation from a practical viewpoint. Her heart
would have none of it, and against her better judgment, she found herself
wondering, Could I become all God created me to be? Aware that her life
was one of service to others, she upbraided herself, Be happy with what you
have.
Even as she agreed to his seemingly innocent request,
she thought, Will I still be able to accomplish all I have committed to do
if I give my heart to him?“ Good. I will court you so you can decide if I
am worthy of your hand in marriage.” Naomi gave him a tentative smile. “There
now, that was not so hard, was it?” Chaz took her hand and led her out of the
attorney’s office.
It
was no surprise to anyone, least of all the attorney, when he opened the paper
and found their wedding announcement in its pages. Overjoyed to have
accomplished his desire and pleased that he had found the woman a worthy
husband, Ralph waited until he knew the priest was free, hurried to the church,
found Padre Paul, opened the paper and read, “Naomi Blanco is to marry Chaz
Romero—” “Yes, it is true.” The padre wiped happy tears from his eyes. “I know
because I am officiating at their nuptials.”
Naomi’s wedding day was the best and the worst day of
her life. When her voice trembled with emotion while she pledged herself to
Chaz, she feared the very edifice they stood in would crash down upon her. She
felt herself a fraud. How, she asked herself, can I pledge to love,
honor, and obey without telling him about myself? Yet, she stifled her
worries and exchanged vows and rings. Then she lifted her veil to reveal
herself to him, knowing all the while that he did not know her at all. Chaz
looked at her and smiled. She smiled back. As she did, she hoped that the joy
that infused the moment with the bright light of promise would become a
reality.
Chaz
realized he did not know where to spend the night. He found himself feeling as
if he were a guest in the casa. He picked up his
suitcase, which contained all he had chosen to bring to Naomi’s house at this
time, and walked to the door she had closed. He was not happy that he had
purposefully not told Naomi everything about himself. But early in their
courtship, he had realized that if she understood his work and his world, she
might deny him her hand in marriage. And that he would not allow.
Reflective Questions
What does Naomi fear?
What do you fear?
What does Chaz fear?
What will turn their fears and yours into blessings?
Until we meet again remember…
Psalm 111: 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
Proverbs 1: 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
Buy
your copy of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing, Book One at www.Amazon.com,
www.Barnes&Noble.com
Audio
book available at www.iTunes.com
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