How many ways the Spirit?

Lutherans are not generally comfortable talking about the Spirit - the Holy Spirit that is.  I don't know if it is so much a weak point in our theological perspective as it is the natural evolution of a Christian community founded by reticent Germans and Scandinavians. 

I think we would benefit from practicing Spirit talk, yet the concrete thinkers among us are quick to realize that the scriptures give us multiple sightings/metaphors for the movement and work of the Spirit. 

The Spirit moves over the waters and begins creating.  
God breathes in the first human, 'adamah and gives life.
 Elijah stands in the cave ready to obey God's command to come forth - and God does not move in the earthquake, nor in the wind, nor in the fire (where it might be expected) but in a still small voice (or a great silence - apparently translating the Hebrew makes it uncertain).
In Jeremiah, the Word of God in the prophet's mouth does it's best to lead people out of their chosen path and into life.
In Ezekiel, the spoken Word of God in the mouth of the prophet causes the Spirit to bring new life to the valley of dry bones. 
The Spirit 'overshadows' Mary and she conceives Jesus.
The Spirit descends like a dove (or pigeon) on Jesus during his baptism.

Now the Spirit comes as tongues of fire in the Pentecost account of Acts 2.  People of very different nations spoke in 'other languages' and each one heard Jesus' story in his own language.  Although we focus on the miracle of multiple languages being spoken, I think the real miracle is that people listened to what they heard.

It is difficult to get a handle on the Spirit.  The Spirit of God moves where it will, when it will, as it will with the purpose of bringing new life into being - directly or indirectly.  It is the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead.  It is the power of the resurrection present throughout our days.

Each time you see life arise from nothing or death of any kind turned away by a stronger power - you have seen the Spirit at work.  Name it and claim it.  Soon you'll be wondering how we got by so many years without Spirit talk.