The Dew Fall

 

The word "dew" had come up twice in the past two weeks when I began writing this post a few weeks ago. It was odd to me that Charlie and Madi had both asked about this simple word--and its meaning--one after the other, on separate occasions. Of course, my explanation to both of them was based upon the scientific definition--moisture condensed from the atmosphere, especially at night, and appearing in the form of mist on a cool surface.

 

But then--that Sunday at Mass--my ears suddenly perked up when I heard that very word used in our Eucharistic prayer! I don't know how many countless times I've heard this reference in our Eucharistic prayers, but only had I truly paid attention to it that day, and it seemed so compelling. 

As Father Bosso joined his hands and extended them over the offerings, he said, 

"Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your spirit upon them like the dew fall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

 "Like the "dew fall," he'd said!  I felt the Holy Spirit at work, and felt drawn to look it up in the Dictionary after Mass that day to find this beautiful meaning...

"something like or compared to such drops of moisture, 

as in purity, delicacy, or refreshing quality."

So I started really putting two and two together. Friends, as I reflect on this day that marks the beginning of our Advent season, isn't that exactly what God our Father does? Sends His Holy Spirit upon us in a "refreshing quality," giving us just that--a beginning--a refreshing of our souls, like the dew fall? And only, if our hearts are open, will we hear His calling. Only then will we receive the gift of that dew fall.

As we all prepare our hearts, and our minds, for the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ this Advent season, let us be more mindful of the dew fall. May your journey of preparation be blessed.

Biblical references to "Dew fall:"

These are 'the morning clouds and the early dew that go away' of which Hosea (6:4; 13:3) speaks so touchingly" (Geikie's The Holy Land, etc., i., p. 72).  

Dew is a source of great fertility (Gen. 27:28; Deut. 33:13; Zech. 8:12), and its withdrawal is regarded as a curse from God (2 Sam. 1:21; 1 Kings 17:1).  

It is the symbol of a multitude (2 Sam. 17:12; Ps. 110:3); and from its refreshing influence it is an emblem of brotherly love and harmony (Ps. 133:3), and of rich spiritual blessings (Hos. 14:5).

The Heart of Adoption

It is National Adoption Month. I love, love, love seeing all the wonderful posts through my Facebook news feed this month...stories of faith, testimonies of love, the sharing of inspiration.

But I do believe my heart has witnessed the beginning of something too amazing for words.

I was recently called by a friend to ask if I would be willing to talk with one of her friends about adoption. My answer, naturally, was a resounding yes. I adore any opportunity to share this gift...this blessed calling of adoption, and I am honored to be a part.

There was more to this story though. Without giving away too many details that might risk revealing her identity, I will just divulge that this woman has lost a child...a son. And her child was taken from her in a very tragic and high-profile way at the hands of another human being.

It gives me chills every time I think about it.

You see, despite this woman's devastating circumstances, she has opened her heart to the idea of adopting a child who needs a family. This mother has every right to be mad at the world, to be angry and bitter to mankind, and she has every reason to question her faith. Her loss is unimaginable. 

Yet, our God is bigger. 

Our sovereign God has taken that painful, empty space in her heart and has planted this great seed of hope. The fact that she's even exploring this process speaks volumes. And I just know, if she allows this to happen, that hole within her will be filled...with joy, with love, and with a saving grace like no other. 

Will it replace her son?  Nope. Can't be done. As I know from our own loss, their angel will be never be forgotten. But when I think about the joy this family might experience in such giving of themselves? It is just overwhelming...

Our God is bigger...our God is better.

Will you please join me in prayer for this family? Please pray that they have the courage to follow their hearts and trust our Heavenly Father on this journey. Please pray that those holes of grief in their hearts are filled. And please pray that if they are able to move forward with an adoption, our Lord will provide abundantly on their behalf. Thank you for your prayer intentions for this family, and all of those whose hearts are moved to the ministry of adoption during this special time. May more children find HOMES through those hearts.