I was just thinking about ...

As I sat down to let my thoughts spill all over the computer screen this morning, my thoughts were directed toward the window next to me. Two dozen birds flipped from limb to limb on the bush that crowds up against the window outside; causing the branches to pop against the window. It’s breakfast time in the bird kingdom and they were all jockeying for position to get to the bird feeder suction-cupped to the window. They know that the tray will be filled with all sorts of delectable seed entrée’s provided for their dining pleasure. However, they also know that at any moment, the curtain might be pulled back and that monster in the window (me) might appear. Though I feed them, they don’t trust me. They draw close to feed upon the goodness we provide for them yet live their lives in constant fear of attack.

Sad to say, that caused me to think about our lives as children of God, living in a world filled with hate and lies. We have been duped so many times, by people who supposedly love and care for us, that it’s almost impossible for us to open up to anyone. To be vulnerable is out of the question. What’s the saying, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!” We don’t want to be hurt again. And yet that’s exactly what God asks us to do.

God asks us to open ourselves to His protection, comfort and security. And though we recognize the awesome power of the Creator, we shy away, afraid of opening up, even to the One who made us. What a pitiful lot we are. We are made in God’s image, yet we really don’t know what that means. We know that His hand provides everything we need. Yet we prefer to live outside of His sight; eating while the curtain is closed. We give thanks for God’s care and goodness, yet live in fear that the curtain might be pulled back and we may have to behold the “monster in the window”. That vision is frightening and unbearable for us, but through it all, we do recognize that we are loved. And if it weren’t for that, we would be in disastrous shape. Thank goodness we have a God who accepts us as we are, with all of our faults, frailties and lack of trust. Thank you, God, for loving me when I couldn’t bring myself to love you back!

I found a poem that goes along these thoughts. I hope you find it as challenging and assuring as I did.   

When I say "I am a Christian"

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting, "I am saved"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

Drop on by anytime, I'll be here and so will God,

Dennis       

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