Some things are fragile like an egg. Some things are strong like a steel beam. I guess I am not captivated by either of those. It is the things in life that are both fragile and strong that surprise me and seem like the most precious. Primarily I am thinking of relationships. I have seen marriages weather sickness and unemployment, relocation and even the death of a child. At times I think there is nothing stronger in all the world than a marriage. But there are few things more fragile than this mysterious union. A cruel word can damage it for weeks. An indiscretion can take it out completely. It has me thinking about my relationship with God. It is true there is nothing so strong in all the world as grace. Real grace, straight up 100 proof. Grace has the power to make a bad man good, to heal a brokenness caused by decades of poor decisions, to give hope when all else seems to be hopeless. There is nothing quite like grace. I try to start my day right in the middle of grace, I try to take a big swig of grace first thing in the morning. I remind myself that my worth is tied to a Savior and there is nothing that can separate me from that love that burns like the sun. And yet, one cross word, or even better, one really genuine compliment and I find myself trying to justify myself by what I do rather than what Jesus did. There is nothing quite as powerful as grace in all the world and yet there is nothing quite as fragile as living in that grace minute to minute. I am thankful today for a God who does not quit loving me even though the container he pours his love into is as fragile as an egg shell.
"Love is as strong as death, as unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire.
Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all
the wealth of his house in exchange for love, it would be utterly scorned"
Ecclesiastes 8:6-7
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
More Like an Egg Than a Man of Steel
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2 comments:
Love it! (Though I do think you mean 200 proof). I am always surprised by the depth, investment and passion of God's love even though we are so very flawed objects of that love!
Pastor Joe, I am thankful for this post. I struggle with self-image problems and I often find my worth tied up in compliments or in what I think others think of me. But when I really stop and think about where my worth truly comes from it is as though a giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I know my worth comes from God's love for me and from the amazing sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me. Reading your blog made me feel a little less alone in my struggle :) Thank you!
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