John 14:15-21

John 14:15-21
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

  The Holy Spirit is a tough one for us.  How exactly do you describe it?  You can't see it or touch it, but it conveys the presence of God and guides us as Christians.  Though God is not physically present with us, the Holy Spirit is with us to remind us how God is near and will never leave nor forsake you.  The Holy Spirit is a constant presence in our lives, and yet it can be so difficult to grasp the reality.
  It's like explaining salt in food -- we often can't see it (unless you're eating in a Southern restaurant), but it's presence can certainly be sensed, sometimes stronger than others, and once you grow accustomed to it, you notice when it's not there.  Living near the ocean, salt can get into everything, and it can be felt in the air.  In the same way, when we abide with the Spirit year after year, it is part of our everyday life, and others can notice that there is something different about us. But try explaining salt and what it tastes like to someone who has never had it -- it's a hard concept to explain.
  God is always present, and God always loves you.  So often that is communicated through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  May we make room in our days to let the Holy Spirit lead us.