Saturday

Because that is what love does

“Why do you love someone who is such a screw-up?  After all the things I’ve felt in my heart toward you and all the accusations I made, why would you even bother to keep trying to get through to me?”

“Because that is what love does,” answered Papa.  “Remember, Mackenzie, I don’t wonder what you will do or what choices you will make.  I already know.  Let’s say, for example, I am trying to teach you how not to hide inside of lies, hypothetically of course.” she said with a wink.  “And let’s say that I know it will take you forty-seven situations and events before you will actually hear me—that is, before you will hear clearly enough to agree with me and change.  So when you don’t hear me the first time, I’m not frustrated or disappointed, I’m thrilled.  Only forty-six more times to go.  And that first time will be a building block to construct a bridge of healing that one day-that today—you will walk across.”

~ The Shack, by WM. Paul Young

What I See Are People

"It is a picture of my bride, the Church: individuals who together form a spiritual city with a living river flowing through the middle, and on both shores trees growing with fruit that will heal the hurt and sorrows of the nations. And this city is always open, and each gate into it is made of a single pearl..." He opened one eye and looked at Mack. "That would be me!" He saw Mack's question and explained, "Pearls, Mack. The only precious stone made by pain, suffering and--finally--death."

"I get it. You are the way in, but--" Mack paused, searching for the right words. "You're talking about the church as this woman you're in love with; I'm pretty sure I haven't met her." He turned away slightly. "She's not the place I go on Sundays," Mack said more to himself, unsure if that was safe to say out loud.

"Mack, that's because you're only seeing the institution, a man-made system. That's not what I came to build. What I see are people and their live, a living breathing community of all those who love me, not building and programs."

Mack was a bit taken aback to hear Jesus talking about "church" this way, but then again, it didn't really surprise him. It was a relief. "So how do I become part of that church?" he asked. "This woman you seem to be so gaga over."

"It's simple, Mack." It's all about relationships and simply sharing life. What we are doing right now--just doing this--and being open and available to others around us. My church is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can't build it. It's my job and I'm actually pretty good at it."

~ The Shack, WM . Paul Young

Just a little bit

"The darkness hides the true size of fears and lies and regrets," Jesus explained. " The truth is they are more shadow than reality, so they seem bigger in the dark. When the light shines into the places they live inside you, you start to see them for what they are."

"But why do we keep all that crap inside?" Mack asked.

"Because we believe it's safer there. And, sometimes, when you're a kid trying to survive, it really is safer there. Then you grow up on the outside, but on the inside you're still that kid in the dark cave surrounded by monsters, and out of habit you keep adding to your collection. We all collect things we value, you know?"

"So, how does that change, you know, for somebody who's lost in the dark like me?" said Mack.

"Most often, pretty slowly," Jesus answered. "Remember, you can't do it alone. Some folks try with all kinds of coping mechanisms and mental games. But the monsters are still there, just waiting for the chance to come out."

"So what do I do now?"

"What you're already doing, Mack, learning to live loved. It's not an easy concept for humans. You have a hard time sharing anything." He chuckled and continued. "So, yes, what we desire is for you to 're-turn' to us, and then we come and make our home inside you, and then we share. The friendship is not real, not merely imagined. We're meant to experience this life, your life, together, in a dialogue, sharing the journey. You get to share in our wisdom and learn to love with our love, and we get....to hear you grumble and grip and complain, and..." :)

...

Jesus said: "Let me show you. Just keep giving me the little bit you have, and together we'll watch it grow."

~ "The Shack", by WM. Paul Young.

To the Full

Yearly Ritual

I don't have many rituals. One that I do have is going to Butter Baked Goods on Dunbar every year when I renew my car insurance. They no longer make my cookie of choice - the raspberry dream - but there is always something fitting to celebrate yet another year gone past.