We sat in his living room catching up. It had been far too many years. Our lives had taken us far apart. As we talked, we realized that in ways other than geography we had shared a similar path. It was a great memory in the making.
As the conversation continued, his daughter came and in and out of the room. It took me a moment to catch the signal. I was taking up time normally reserved for her! She did not mind, but she also could not help expressing her desire to be with her dad. As our conversation turned towards our daughters, I asked the obvious.
“She has no idea how beautiful she is, does she?”
“No, I do not think she does. It is wonderful in a way, isn’t it?”
As I reflected on Carli, Whitney, and others, I realize that everyone shares an age of innocence. It is a time where we believe in the good will of others. We trust the institutions that are here for us. We believe in the values and priorities we share with our parents. It is a wonderful age! It has its portion of innocence, yet I think in the greater scheme of things we were individually richer during this stage of our lives.
As I reflected then and now, I wonder what I left behind from that age that I should have carried with me. Paul noted a reality of his time that I think applies to ours. “You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you?” (1 Corinthians 3.16)
We are children of God. Each is one. Regardless of our background, we belong. Regardless of our record, we are invited. Regardless of our potential, we have an open invitation to take on a mission for God.
It is easy to forget.
We are the place where God chooses to live. God is involved in life’s details through our lives. Divinity is within, calling us home. God, you, and I are intertwined.
Today I will remember.
