Gods and Roses

A rose by any other name is still a rose.  If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and acts like a duck; most likely – it’s a duck.  When you’re in a strange land what you think something is most likely is.  So go three clich?s.  We listen, remind ourselves of when we first heard these sayings, and gently move on.  Rarely do I stop to see the lessons for learning.
 
I think my God is unique, truly unlike any other god known to man.  I wonder why others have a difficult time seeing and understanding.  I look at their gods and wonder aloud, if only to myself, about the flaws and weaknesses which seem so obvious.  As my God morphs from day to day, reflecting the humanness of my journey, I find myself painting new gods yet trying to convince myself what is new is simply a fresh imagination of yesterday’s perspective. 
 
Perhaps there is a different way of looking at the God or god we hold within our hearts and souls.  Instead of labeling, look at what is in contrast to the description of other’s on the same quest.  The example comes in how one described different communities of old.  When one looked closely it becomes clear; “Damascus undone as a city, a pile of dust and rubble!  Her towns emptied of people.  The sheep and goats will move in and take over the towns as if they owned them—which they will!  Not a sign of a fort is left in Ephraim, not a trace of government left in Damascus.  What's left of Aram?  The same as what's left of Israel—not much.”  (Isaiah 17.1-3) 
 
Given I hold a god close to my heart, who or what is it?  Am I willing to be honest with myself?  Is it something, normally described by any other name that is the same as what I say I am fighting against?  Is my god self or community?  Is it indulgence or service?  Is it justice or mercy?
 
Today I choose my God.