I usually have a sense of where I am, especially if there is at least one marker. I tend to remember parks and monuments as I find myself noting the landmarks that usually remain where they are for long periods of time! This approach can be helpful yet in a new city my confidence is shattered in a hurry! Nothing is familiar. Little seems where it should be. Is the sea on the east or west? Maybe it is actually the south. Do the tall city buildings reflect the old downtown or the new?
It is exciting to explore and see somewhere new but this presumes several key factors. First, one wants to explore. Second, one has the time to explore. Three, one has some basis, map or reference point in which to start the journey. In the situation where I am as I write only my interest in exploring is true. A business conference starts very soon and there is no map to guide me. The one piece of good news is that I have no presumptions to influence my reflection. Every building is new. All directions are fascinating. Everything is possible!
Far too often I know what I know when it comes to things about God. Certain things are helpful. The fact that I am confident about God’s character is a good thing. The knowledge I think I have when it comes to God’s behavior is strange to bizarre. God’s mercy extends far beyond my willingness to forgive and accept. God’s compassion opens up to all, something I still find difficult to understand. In the midst of my confusion, God ability to transcend institution and formality is encouraging. Even the fact there “there was no sign of a Temple [in eternity], for the Lord God—the Sovereign-Strong—and the Lamb are the Temple” (Revelation 21.23) is helpful.
The fact is that God is life’s marker. We don’t find Divinity, Divinity has already found us. In opening our doors to God we discover an amazing world that God has ready. The next step is ours.
