His Goodness

"I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness."

Psalm 119:40

A few weeks ago my husband and I visited a historical church, The Santa Barbara Mission. We've been there a few times before and each time are captivated by the beauty of it.

On this particular visit, I was a little desperate for a touch of God's holiness. As a matter of fact, on the way to the Mission I was telling the Lord how I just wanted a taste of His goodness.

"Just give me something, Lord..."

At certain points during the tour of the church, there are prayer books displayed for visitors to write in. Each night those who work at the church look through the books and pray for those who are in need.

I read prayer after prayer after prayer.

There were many who asked for prayer for healing from cancer and sickness. Penning the struggle of chemotherapy and the weight of their exhaustion.


Still others wrote of the pain of losing a loved one and the need for comfort. Death had marked them and they were asking our Father for a taste of His goodness in the face of such pain.

I read further of marriages that were crumbling. Those who had written this, were asking for restoration. Again, a taste of our God's goodness. Believing in the One who is able to make all things new.

I cried as I ran my hands over these prayers. I prayed to a Holy God who I know is capable of anything. I'm still praying He showers those families with the power of His presence.

After reading through the prayer books, I wandered outside to walk under the trees and listen to the wind. I needed to filter my thoughts, pray for the broken and get a taste...

I found myself in an old cemetery.

No noise. No movement. What was meeting what is....

As we turned to explore a little further, Eric and I walked over to a final prayer book displayed outside.

It was written by a child. A girl named Hailey.

She wrote:

Dear God,
I had a wonderful time at your church. It is very beautiful.
I hope you have a good day.
Love, Hailey

And there among the pain and suffering, the old and new, the Lord gave me a taste. A taste of His never-ending goodness in the form of a child's prayer.


Hailey. She got it. The church? His. His presence upon it? Beautiful. Her offering to Him? The hope of a good day.

I pray with Hailey today.

Father, We are yours. The Church, Yours. How beautiful Your Presence upon us! May today -- and all that we do with it -- be pleasing in Your eyes.

Kristen writes daily at {dancing} in the margins and also at Exemplify Online. She welcomes you to stop by!