Transformation

I had an experience on Sunday.  I have been debating whether to write it down for two reasons.  One, I'm not sure that I have the ability to express it in words, and two, its very personal.  I guess I decided to try and express my experience because it changed my view, a new lens so to speak.  I also thought that although a personal moment for me, its probably something that happens to many in one way or another. 

I was sitting in our Sacrament service at church with the kids.  Peter sits on the stand because he is part of the bishopric or leadership of the congregation.  On this day there was a new baby being blessed.  I watched as this new young father carried his little girl forward.  Those that had been invited by the family to gather round her for the blessing were coming as well.  There was a large group and I wondered if they would all be able to fit.  I bowed my head as the blessing began.  This young father was nervous and stumbled with his words.  It made me glance up at the group for a moment.  I saw a man standing just outside the circle gathered around her.  He had been asked to be there but not a family member or friend.  He had one arm on the shoulder of the stranger next to him, and the other reaching in to support the baby.  He had stood back a bit to make room for the family members of the baby.  His eyes were closed in prayer.  The expression on his face was humble, faithful.  His stature was at ease yet something about him commanded my attention.

It caught my breath and I was instantly overwhelmed with....emotion.

There stood a man that seemed a stranger, yet my partner of 20 years.  A man of faith, a servant, with a confidence and depth about him that I had not seen before.  I know him better than any other, and maybe that is why I hadn't observed it before.  There was a change that I had missed.  It must have happened slowly a little at a time, a transformation.  There was a glow about him that I will never forget, almost like a window from heaven had opened up and poured out blessings, knowledge, and light upon him.  I now see him in that new light, with a different lens, as a spouse, a father, and a shepherd.