The queue for Security was long and getting longer. The two gates stretched for almost 40 meters and it was growing at least a meter every three minutes. Luckily, by pure chance I picked the fast lane.
The step, wait, wait some more, then wait yet a bit longer, and then take another step and repeat the cycle gave me lots of time to examine who the people were in the other lane. Some were clearly on their way home, burdened down with shopping bags full of things too important to trust to baggage. Others were on business trip, computer bags stuffed to the limit and cell phones semi-fixed on their right ear. The variations caused lots of internal merriment and I am sure I gave an equal dose to the others checking the two lines out in detail.
Mid-way through the line I came on a child stretching the limits of everyone around him, especially his parents! Tantrums came and went in the few minutes I bothered to note. I did not find the process difficult; his screaming voice carried the full length of the corridor.
“Please God let his flight be to Germany. Actually, anywhere but London would be fine!”
As I watched and listen the proverb reinforced itself; “a surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father; a bitter pill for a mother to swallow.” (Proverbs 17.25)
Not for me was my cry!
I can see myself metaphorically behaving the same way with God. I rebel at every corner. I throw tantrums when my wishes are not granted with miraculous ease. I criticize when I do not understand. I am clearly surly, a sheer pain, a bitter pill, and probably stupid as well. God has every right to abandon me!
God response is mysterious. For my rebellion he provides unconditional acceptance. The counter punch to my tantrum is forgiveness and mercy. The hatred He has for my sin is equally matched by his commitment to my full restoration.
I am what I abhor. Thank God for everything that He is!
