Cost of Entry

I grew up with an involved Dad.  Sure, he traveled a lot.  Sure, he worked long hours, often multiple jobs to pay the basic bills.  When I look back, I do not remember the gaps.  I remember a Dad engaged with his three boys in tangible ways.  We learned how to use tools.  We had fun putting lessons to work, constructing tree houses as well as all sorts of things (some successfully, others just for fun).  When we asked for help, there was a caveat.  It took us far longer than one might expect to learn, yet in the end we did. 
 
If you wanted help, you had to be engaged in the process!  This did not mean standing around and watching.  This did not mean getting the process started and then skipping out to play with friends.  Being engaged in the process included being involved, getting dirty, and at times scraped up.  We had to work, as best as we could.  We had to want to learn, next time we would be expected to do it ourselves if we were able.  We were to stay with the project until it was complete.
 
As I have grown up, I have come to realize that Dad gave me more than an interest in doing things with my hands.  Dad gave me relationship, time, and memories.  I have also come to see the same things with God.  When you listen to God observing our actions, “You wouldn't even bring sheep for offerings in worship.  You couldn't be bothered with sacrifices.  It wasn't that I asked that much from you.  I didn't expect expensive presents.”  (Isaiah 43.23)  It isn’t so much of a complaint but rather an observation.  The implications are just as real as they were when I was growing up.  If I do not engage with God, doing the stuff, it is very unlikely that God will be engaged with me and visible in the priorities of my life.
 
Today is an incredible opportunity to work on things with God.  We will make a difference.