Beyond words

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

We’ve enjoyed a wonderful summer with a steady stream of family and friends coming through our state. Many of them put their hands and hearts to work projects at our home and throughout Montana, encouraging us along the way. In Hawaii they have a saying – “Lucky we live in Hawaii.” In Montana we should say, “Blessed we live in God’s country.”

One of the topics that came up frequently with our guests throughout the summer was this – there are certain things that are simply hard to put to words. Things like the sunset, the sunrise, mist in the trees, the amazing love of Jesus, a child running and laughing, our gratitude during Communion, the stars, the tranquility of a mountain lake, a tender kiss, our hope in heaven. Together we concluded that words just simply can’t always get us there. Some things go beyond words.

We’re seeing that with an elderly parent in our home who struggles with dementia. For my dad, words are sometimes hard to grasp, sometimes hard to express. And as his condition develops, other things are becoming more important than words … things like touch and taste. He is drawn to the sensation of a hard candy in his mouth or an ice cube in his drink. He contagiously smiles during the sensation of petting our dog for what seems like hours on end. When I slow down enough to touch his arm or massage his shoulders, I see in his eyes something beyond words.

And God knows that. Perhaps it’s why he gave us things we could touch or taste or see that help us express our feelings that go beyond words. He gave us bread and wine to help us understand Jesus’ body and blood. He gave us the anointing oil for prayer. He gave us the sacred act of baptism to symbolize a surrendered life. He gave us the laying on of hands to pray for others. And ultimately, He gave us Jesus Himself – “The Word became flesh,” revealing that words can’t always get us there. Only experience, love and relationship can.

So the next time you’re overwhelmed and you can’t quite put words to it … just softly say, “Jesus … Jesus”. Because His name really says it all, doesn’t it? He is our experience. His is the love we seek. And His is the relationship above all others.