Approach

It’s easy to focus on one’s goal(s).  They are, for the most part, specific, defined, and tangible.  The number of variations is usually limited to colors, textures, and sizes.  Reaching the goal(s) is a totally different matter!  The complexity of relationships, multiple scenarios emerging from the different player choices, and the changing hopes and desires which comes from a life that never stands still all merge into the glorious mess we call live.  Determining, how to get from point A to B is best described in sailing metaphors.  Ironically most do not and will not ever sail.
 
A frequent solution is to throw God into the mess.  “Just solve it” is the essence of our plea.  I am convinced making requests of God is well within our mandates.  There are records of God talking to good and less than good people, giving them the same idea.  One writer records the conversation; “God spoke again to Ahaz.  This time he said, ‘Ask for a sign from your God.  Ask anything.  Be extravagant.  Ask for the moon!’” (Isaiah 7.10, 11) 
 
It dould be easy to conclude that God isn’t listening.  From my experience, I would like to suggest an alternative way of looking at the situation.
 
First, God hears the cry of our hearts.  It is Divinity’s desire that each, young and old, good and less than good, should be restored to the fullness of a perfect, love filled, and unending life.
 
Second, God values freedom above all.  We are free to choose.  Our freedom will not be impeded.  We want to live on our own?  Fine.  We want to establish and live by our own values and priorities?  Fine.  We want to…  Fine. 
 
Third, God is engaged with us in life.  Divinity passionately would like us to enjoy the best!  For awhile yet the freedoms in this community need to play themselves out – so the choices are extremely clear.  Divinity is here to help – in taking a step, in seeing the process, and pursuing the values and priorities we share.
 
God invites us to approach, to engage.