Recognizing God...

"When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife into his home."
Matthew 1:24

How did Joseph just get up and follow his dream; seemingly knowing what to do? I can't even remember my dreams, let alone do what they suggest. But here is Joseph; he must have felt so wounded finding out that Mary was "with child," and yet, he mercifully decides to let her go quietly. And then, his dream. How did Joseph recognize God in the dream? I heard a wonderful homily years ago that explained that Joseph was so close to God and knew God so well that he could recognize God's guidance in even a crazy situation like this! Joseph was a faithful Jewish man who was able to recognize the God of Surprises. The God of Yikes (!)  Awesome, right? Do we know God so well that we can readily see God's footprints in our lives? Can we see God in situations that may not easily be identified as God-ish? Can we see God in people who may be outside the box? We certainly cannot know all of God, but the closer we grow toward God the more often we can see God's presence in our lives. And that is the gift that Joseph had, allowing him to follow his dreams. Let's look for the God in our hearts today! Love, heidi