When you look at this photo, what do you see?
When I was visiting my parents’ house recently, I took a short walk up their driveway. Grass had begun to push its way through the asphalt. It was an interesting picture, so I went and got my camera. What do you see, when you examine this photo? I see life finding a way, against what looks like, impossible odds.
It occurred to me how often we try to tame nature. We pave roads and are annoyed when grass pushes through. We try to build houses on the beach or on the sides of cliffs and are surprised when they are swept away. We put swimming pools in gator country and are shocked to find an alligator in our swimming pool.
Nature seems determined to claim what was hers. We fight it, but in the end, we usually lose.
When I really think about it, it’s the same relationship mankind has always had with God. We need Him, but we want to tame Him or use Him to suit our own purposes. We only pray when we want something. We only quote the parts of the Bible that suit us. We only go to church when we feel desperate. We are self-focused.
But even so, God loves us. When you ever really try to wrap your brain around it, it’s truly amazing. The only tiny glimpse we get of this love, is our love for our own children, and that’s just a glimpse. The unconditional love that God feels for us began before we were born, before we were even conceived.
He loved us so much that he sent his son to redeem us. As a parent, that’s still a mind-boggling concept for me. But, that’s the kind of love God has for us. It’s an all out, over the top, relentless love. It truly is amazing.
We can run from it, like Jonah did, but He pursues us. He wants us and loves us warts and all and in the end, just like nature, just like the grass in the driveway, love will find a way.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
That’s the kind of love God has for us. Like the photo above, when we see nothing but ugly asphalt, God sees possibility and opportunity. He sees life and He wants to give us the abundance we can only get through relationship with Him. Aren’t we lucky?
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂