Dahlia, Pencil Sketch Effect

Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first. ~ Chuck Swindoll

God...comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

What I've Learned: There are No Lessons Without Learning.
Dear Reader, the above quotes came from yesterday's message on my reusable spiral-bound daily devotional.  A Baptism gift from my spiritual mentor, the devotional features one deeply-ponderable topic or challenging thought accompanied by a Bible verse each day for 365 days.  I have found it tremendously inspiring these last months and keep it on my desk at work where it occasionally sparks a conversation.

Yesterday, I turned the page from the previous day and was immediately struck by the relevance of the topic and verse.  Lately, I find myself going over and over the pain of past events in my life.  My head is full of small revelations about cause, effect, and the still unfolding, far-reaching ramifications.  The above idea of using the pain we endure as a tool to help us guide others through their pain sits well within me.  It has that feel of a God-inspired revelation in the making.  Which usually means I could soon face a situation where it will come in handy.

The thing I'm learning about this spiritual journey, is that I only continue to grow and become more Christ-like if I take the time to pay attention and learn.  It's not a passive process.  With that in mind, this week I started two different Bible studies: one through my church and another through the church of an old high school friend.  One is a women's group.  The other, involves men, women, adults, and children (in a child-care-built-right-in atmosphere).  One group is comprised entirely of Caucasian people.  The other, entirely African American--except for me.  Both are incredibly warm and welcoming.  Both have a definite sense of how to proceed in a group setting, though they take markedly different approaches.  One is currently studying Women of Contentment in the Book of Ecclesiates.  The other, a MasterLife series on Discipleship.  Both studies involve daily readings, quiet time with God and...homework.

Homework five days out of seven.  I feel like I'm back in college again...and I'm kinda lovin' it.  Between the two studies, I'm all over the Bible every day.  Job, Ephesians, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Luke & John--I'm finding good stuff everywhere I look!  I know, I should be overwhelmed.  I should be confuddled, not knowing what to apply where or overrun with questions and no time to sit and ponder them. 

But that isn't the case.  In fact, each concept we study in one group seems to magnify or reflect lessons in the other.  I've always been a big picture, extrapolate & draw-conclusions sort of thinker.  Did my best academic work in college when my classes happened to overlap material.  Each new perspective on the same topic yields a new and fascinating facet to be understood.  It's like changing the lighting while shooting a photo and getting a whole new image.

Bottom line, I am seeking knowledge and understanding of God's Word and how it affects my life.  I want my life to change.  I want to be different--a better person than I have been for 35 years.  I want to see Jesus in what I do and say; in the ways I interact with others and impact their lives. 

But this, like everything else in life, is a choice.  You have to choose to walk that path.  You can also choose to stand still or run back to what you already know.  I've tried those things.  They don't work for me.  So, I'm gonna try something radically new.  If going back to school to learn about Jesus is what it takes, this girl is all in.  Will keep you posted on what we're learning...   
              

Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message. ~ Malcolm Muggeridge

Today's Joy: Time Spent with God.
Had the day off today, Reader. I fell asleep last night after reading a few chapters of The Shack, by William P. Young. This is my second reading of this amazing book. So it felt only natural, upon waking this morning, to stretch luxuriously in bed and then pick up right where I left off. I read for a bit, absorbed some more deep and wonderful ideas and then got about starting my day.

After attending to the daily duties of living, I found myself drawn back to the book in the afternoon. So, I read some more. And passages that hadn't resonated with me during my first reading popped up like beacons of understanding this time around. There are several questions I've been pondering in regard to faith. Questions that my readings & discussions with spiritual advisors have not entirely answered. I'm sure you have a few such quandaries yourself, Reader. So, you will understand when I say that I really struggle with some of these faith roadblocks.

Mostly, they have to do with the rules of written teachings feeling incongruous with what I know in my heart about God & love.

In The Shack, Sarayu (my favorite character) advises, Don't look for rules and principles. Look for relationship--a way of coming to be with us. She further refers to responsibilities and expectations as subtle forms of these rules--words that were once live verbs (response & expectancy) but which we humans have turned into dead nouns. In essence, routines, rituals & obligations, which take away from our live relationship with God.

God is a verb, not a noun proper or improper. ~ R. Buckminster Fuller, No More Secondhand God, 1963

In The Shack, over and over, Papa, Jesus & Sarayu (the three faces of God in the book) all reiterate that they want to be in relationship with us. They want to live inside us, to be a part of everything we do--not just a chore to be completed on our daily to-do list (did the dishes, picked up the kids, prayed to God, etc).

When I think of the healthy relationships around me, I know a hint of that togetherness & acceptance. That understanding that no matter what your flaws, someone loves you unconditionally. Of course, with God, it's on a scale more infinite than anything I can imagine. But I see snippets of His love in my love for others and in the way they love me. God is the ultimate form of that--more than I can comprehend and more than I'll ever need. I like the idea that he's there with me every moment, seeing all that I do, celebrating triumphs & drawing close in times of sorrow.

The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too. ~Teresa of Avila

I love too, that he has extended this offer of relationship to everyone, regardless of race, color, belief or persuasion. He longs for fellowship with each of us. He is "especially fond" of all his children, whatever their circumstance, wherever they have been. He always offers them the chance to come to him in fellowship. As I progress in my own faith & relationship with Him, I can't imagine life any other way. Tonight, I can't wait to return to my book and see what other revelations I will find. What an amazing journey! Dear Reader, I hope my little musing gets you thinking--maybe even curious enough to pick up Mr. Young's book, or better yet, God's. Or, hit your knees and talk to the Man, Himself. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. More revelations to come!

People see God every day, they just don't recognize him. ~Pearl Bailey


Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.