“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” Psalm 23.6
When I was young, I remember that long time ago, my Dad and I shared the same experience several times that continues to occur and point me to God. Yesterday the experience came up again, twice.
As a confident youngster, I knew with absolute certainty that my problems and situation in life were more difficult, with more extremes and challenges, than any other human could possibly experience. This confidence crept into my prayers, my petitions, my complaining, and even my actions. I perceived my Dad shared this view of live.
Two things always happened as a result of the growing confidence. First, God would show us someone connected with Him who clearly lived with life hurdles I can only imagine.
I remember the quadriplegic. I remember the teacher with a mind sharp and quick housed in a body increasingly paralyzed. I remember the beggar struggling to find his next bite of food with no idea where he would sleep in the coming darkness. I remember their joy, confidence, and incredible smiles. Their smiles reflecting an inner beauty and love put every personal problem in perspective.
Yesterday I reflected on two people who work for me today but will not in the future. As I reviewed the specifics of their departures, I found myself contrasting my personal problems with their lives. In many ways, they never had a chance. The “stuff” life continued to throw at them makes my problems seem trivial. The joy and smile that walked in the office reminded me of the incredible immensity of God’s grace.
God loves people so much, He chases them each day with unconditional love, absolute recognition of individual value and beauty, and acceptance. Yes, our problems are real and often difficult. However, will we exercise the courage to let God touch our lives?
Answers are all around us. We can have and share experiences of grace and love each day. Are we willing to take the chance on God?
Yes, it is our choice.
