Warts and all

Have you seen the new movie “Nim’s Island?” Cute to the 10th degree. There was one line that struck a note in my heart. One of the main characters was an agoraphobic writer of adventure books who lived life through her writing. Toward the end of the movie her imaginary action hero, who had been accompanying her on an adventure to find a child in need, rebelled and dove into the sea leaving her alone to finish the expedition. She was shocked that he would act in such a way because she created him. How could he leave her?

I believe that’s the way God must feel when we drift away, or refuse to acknowledge him or become too busy to invest in a relationship with him. For heaven’s sake, he created us in his image! It must break his heart the same way we feel when our kids don’t call, or someone we love forgets our birthday or is too busy to visit.

Keep in mind: since recorded history God has called man back to him time and again. We must realize that just like the soda you drink, the cologne you wear, the type of running shoes you prefer – faith is a choice. If created by him, we are his, just as our rebellious teenagers will always have a warm spot in our hearts. If we choose not to have a relationship with God, we are hurting the one who loved us into reality.

It is understood by those in the know that we have what is called a holy longing in our souls. We have this need for a God-relationship built into our core because we were made by him and to him alone we belong. No amount of money, drugs or alcohol, vices or relationships can fill this deep, profound, and passionate desire for the one who created us. All we need to do is get that through our thick skulls!

So, if you’ve been away for a while or if you are a new seeker of faith, close your weary eyes and ask for God to be a part of your life. Next, depending on your affiliation, make an appointment with a priest or pastor. You will find a world of compassion in their eyes and a deep desire to help you find your way.

Then hop into a community of believers and begin attending services on Sunday. You need a community to love and nurture you on your walk. The apostles lived in community and so should we. People aren’t perfect, but neither, might I add, are you or I! Just like the running shoes covering your toes, there are relationship choices in churches too! Seek out those who have light in their eyes, and joy in their hearts. Skip the overtly pious ones who know it all – they scare me!

Then finally, trust that God loves you. We are sinful, but God made us with our weaknesses and loves us in spite of them! The hardest part of a long journey is to start, so go ahead – start or renew your walk of faith. Bury your nose in the Bible, join a study. (I’ll keep you updated with what’s available through our calendar section.) The outcome is eternal life with the one who created and loves us – warts and all! And isn’t that truly why faith matters?