About the Roses...

Sunday, September 14, 2008

"This is and has been the Father's work from the beginning -- to bring us into the home of His heart. This is our destiny."

~George MacDonald

I am almost afraid to say it. It seems a departure from everything I grew up thinking and believing about God. It is something that I have known in the deepest part of my soul. It is something that I have not believed, though it is something that I have "preached." It is a viewpoint for which I have been criticized. It is something true.

It is something I believe.

God loves me and wants to have relationship with me. His heart for me is not a progression toward spiritual perfection. That perfection is already complete in Christ. He wants me to share my heart with Him, and He wants me to know His.

I don't know Him as Father. I don't understand the ins and outs of relationship. But I can't live in the netherworld of not-measuring-up any longer. False humility says that "I can never measure up to God" and tries to measure up and be Him. True humility is found only in His presence, when we are undone and dust and forgiven.

I think I have barely scratched the surface of His heart. If I knew Him better, I'd offer more grace. If I knew His love more fully, I would not be afraid of Him.

But He is teaching me.

Technically, He is pursuing me.

The other day, Pete bought me two dozen roses. I was thrilled.

I was so thrilled that I noticed it. See, normally, I don't really respond when he gives me things. I don't always know what to do with others' expressions of love for me. I ignore them. Assume them. For so long, love has been the given. When it is offered and lived, when I am pursued, I don't know what to do.

But I was happy about the roses.

I think this is a good sign.

3 comments:

Christy said...

I love that quote from Mac Donald - it is so simple, yet it captures so much. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Heidi said...

Yay! :)

the dork rules said...

I, too, have difficulties accepting love/symptoms of love. And yes, that word was intentional.

Anyway...hope to see you soon.

Post a Comment

Talk to me, if you like.