I was reading C.S.Lewis last night. That guy can write. He was writing about pleasure. There are at least a couple of different pleasures we enjoy. One is need pleasure. That is what we enjoy when we are really thirsty and someone hands us a cold glass of water. The other is appreciative pleasure. That is what happens when we are walking along perfectly content and then smell a wood fire coming from a chimney and we are struck with a simple and profound pleasure. I think when I am walking and the smoke of a chimney hits me I always smile. There is some kind of childhood yearning that wells up inside of me. Anyway, these are two kinds of pleasure. It made me think of my relationship with God. I think of the psalmist who writes,"As the deer pants for the water so my soul longeth after you, O Lord". I feel that way quite a bit. That is need and while my physical thirst can be slaked by a tall glass of water my longing for God will never be completely satisfied in this life or the next. I was made to be dependant on God. But my relationship with God needs to also include the other pleasure- the appreciative pleasure. I want to be captured by the beauty and power and glory of God. There must be times when I am walking and the pleasure of His Presence thrills me and even surprises me. So, I am not going to be content to just be a one pleasure guy. I think God knows I need Him. I want God to know that there is a deeper pleasure He gives me. Maybe it is what I see with my daughter and her new born son. Right now Liam needs her and that is all he feels. It is enough for her to be needed and she understands his need as love. But there will come a time when it will be nice when Liam does more than just need his Mom. It will be a time when he starts to run out the door and then stops and comes back and looks his mom in the eye and says," Thanks Mom. I love you and I think you are the most beautiful mom in the world". And my daughter's heart will melt. That is the way I want God to feel today as I turn around and tell Him not just how much I need Him but how I do love Him.
Friday, December 12, 2008
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Joe - since the semester and my travels have ended, I took time to read your entire blog and listen to missed messages this weekend. It was comforting to spend time with my favorite pastor and be reminded of how important God is in every aspect of our lives. To your entire family: Congratulations on the birth of Liam - who looks bright, strong, and healthy! My youngest grandson turned 5 years old today; so being grandparents is also among the greatest of blessings and pleasures that God has given us. Knowing God and having faith is another pleasure; thank you for that message (12/14/08). If everybody did "get it" HCC would be an awesome church. However, we are not there yet and I felt it stronger than ever around the election. Unfortunately, it is hard to see this election as a final "death blow to racism and bigotry." (One example, and I have several, follows. After the election a Lutheran pastor informed me that we could not sing "The Obama Song" during a concert at his church, citing scripture and tax laws. The repeated theme in this song is: "if we're together peace can win, on love we can depend." All other songs were Christmas, sacred, and/or gospel.) It stuns me that light and salt does not always seem to exist in the pulpit, let alone in the pews. On the other hand, it amazes me that God continually helps us to see that light and salt do have an impact. Your in-laws (and others) have been light for me. I pray that your father-in-law will be well. I will also pray for HCC pastors, ministries, and members; that all of us will open our hearts to receive the word, change our behaviors as a result, increase our faith, and learn to trust what God is doing.
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