The tram ride was the “most enjoyable” ride in Barcelona, at least according to the tourist guides. Our anticipation of going up the mountain, enjoying the views of Barcelona, the mountains, and views out onto the Mediterranean Sea continued to grow as the afternoon grew warm. As we stood on the street corner for almost an hour, our confusion and frustration began to blossom. Where was the tram? Did anybody bother to adhere to the schedule? What was going to happen to the views and experience?
Well into the experience, Cherry and Carli began to read the fine print in Spanish. For reasons unknown, we did not read the fine print on the back of our discount coupon until a day later. The tram does not run on weekdays! We wasted a chunk of our day; well not completely wasted there was some amazing people watching experiences!
People tell us that God is the “best experience” one can have in life. As novices, we anticipate coming to the mountain top experience, enjoying the experience and views, and looking out to the future in hope and confidence. As we stand on the street corner waiting for our God experience to begin, nothing happens! After an hour, day, and probably a week our confusion and frustration begin to blossom. Where is God? Does anybody tell the truth anymore? What is going to happen and when?
There are so many truths and myths about God I do not know how anyone discovers the fine print. The confusion on where one begins is only the beginning! How do you walk? What do you do when problems comes up? Does God care about the details? Should I?
The fine print matters for two key reasons. First, we know the facts. Second, we have an opportunity to receive a unique gift. First the fact; “The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.” (Romans 4.25) This fact also contains the gift; Jesus’ sacrifice that contains unconditional love, hope, grace, trust, and ultimately life.
The choice is ours.
