I currently enjoy shopping on my own terms more than at any time in my life. On my own terms puts the boundaries around my limit on repetitive explorations for the same piece of clothing (almost zero), exploring outlet or strip malls (virtually nonexistent), and hardware, tool, or art supply venues (unlimited time allotted). The experience is quite enjoyable! I find that the actual act of purchasing is not the key moment, rather the quest to find the individual object that carries someone’s name. The perfect punch set only becomes that way with the right combination of packaging, features, price, and a particular recipient. When they come together; ah, this is what shopping is all about!
People often ask me about God. They are curious and interested in understanding the pictures, textures, and experiences I carry with me when I refer to God, the Presence, or the Spirit. As we dialogue, there is a recurring echo in their questions that I find familiar. I have taken the liberty of asking if the echo I sense is there and their answers continue to force my own recurring self-assessment. You see, we are all shopping for God.
I am square in the middle of this effort, as much as I would like to believe I have made and remade and made yet again my buying decision! The good news for each of us is this; knowing this fact puts us in a position to do something about where we stand. There are two aspects of our response that I personally find critical.
First, shopping is natural and God encourages it – “taste and see that I am good”. Not to seek God is fatal. Search, live, and die in relationship with the divine.
Second, honesty in what you find is crucial! “The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.” (Proverbs 11.3)
Looking for God? May I introduce you to a God that loves you, yes you, just as and where you are! Still want to shop? Can I tag along?
