My wife and I have a tradition going back to our honeymoon of 1975. We enjoy camping together. We have camped many places, and in many weather conditions. We recently decided to camp on the prairies of western Minnesota at Lac Qui Parle State Park.

While camping, I experienced two things I hadn’t counted on. The first was how I missed the prairie vastness and the life that resides there. I love listening to the wind play in the tall prairie grasses. I love to watch wave after wave of swaying grasses dance with the wind through the fields. I love sitting or walking and allowing my sense to feel the experience of the wind that is so therapeutic and calming.

The second thing was the different variety of birds that I don’t see “up-north.” They fly up from nowhere in the prairie grasses and disappeared as quickly. I was expectant for new surprises with every step I took on the trails. Expecting to see new species, new colors, and hear new songs. I was not
disappointed by this constant expectation to encounter a surprise. It stimulated a great sense of gratitude for the colors, smells, and sounds that greeted me.

As is most often the case, when I am pondering the wind and the encounters of surprise, my mind goes right to the 3rd chapter of John, verse 7-8. “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the ruah, the wind, the unexpected surprises and presence of God. These images can help us come to know more of who this mysterious Person of the Trinity is by engaging our senses and noticing the effects of what He does. He is our peace and calm, as well as the transforming power that breaks into our lives. He is unchanging, while bringing about constant changes in us. He manifests Himself in what He does, yet remains invisible. Where He comes from and goes is elusive to us.

The wind can sometimes be calm and gentle; refreshing and cool. Other times it can be turbulent and destructive. Its force cannot be tamed, harnessed, or bottled for future use. The image of the wind as a breeze on the prairie or in the tornadoes and hurricanes we experience, helps convey not only the peace and sheer power but also the freedom of the Holy Spirit to come and go.

So how am I to respond to the “wind” and unexpected of God? I respond with expectant faith. This helps my soul to be sensitive and docile to the Spirit like the leaves on the poplar trees dancing in the wind. I am to sit in silence asking the Spirit to stir into flame His breath dwelling in me.

For Reflection:

How can my experience of the wind help to better understand who the Holy Spirit is and what He does? Do I have an expectant faith waiting for surprises God has planned for me? Do I make time to encounter God in nature? Do I seek to be born of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:

Breathe on me Holy Spirit the gift of Your life, that I may encounter in the wind, in the birds, and in the beauty of creation, Your great love for me. Help me to be a Happy Camper.

(blogged July 1, 2024)
Subscribe to my newsletter!