|
“Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it! How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”(Genesis 28:16-17)
“I’ve got it!” “I have found it!” “My eyes light up!” “Awakening!” “All comes together.” “Aha!” It is “a moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension.” (Merriam-Webster) smile comes to our face, and we nod our head in excitement and in realization. We suddenly understand something for the first time.
There have been several “Aha” moments in my life. My first great moment was when I was 7 years old. During a sleigh-ride with my friends on the ice rink, I fell back onto the ice. I lost my consciousness and after a few minutes, I opened my eyes. At that moment, I discovered that I was alive and that the sky was so beautiful and calm. I realized that God gave me a second chance to live.
My next “Aha” moment was when I was confirmed and baptized at age 15. I still vividly remember that I conversed with cosmos flowers on the way to the Church. I never forgot the moment that I conversed with nature and God so freely and innocently. At that time, I sensed and felt that God was alive and real to me.
I had three children but now have two. Each moment of their births was great and mysterious, holding the first-born baby very holy. Then I had a most painful but holiest moment when my first son, Kori, left me in my arms. Another “Aha” moment.
Once we have a defining moment, we will never be the same. The Bible is filled with stories of “Aha” moments of people encountering God. From that time on, their lives would never be the same again! The most freeing moment is when we let go of what we think is best for us and allow God to show us what we really need. Instead of regretting or resisting, let us in the wilderness of life turn to God. God “will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19) An “Aha!” moment comes when we surrender to God’s will. God always brings us to the right spot at the right time. Welcome home.
Pastor Seok-Hwan
| 
