I spend way too little time contemplating God. I spend a lot of time contemplating me.
Real life-giving life-life stems from thinking on and telling the story of God. I can never use too much hyperbole in describing God's power, love, justice, truth, mission, holiness and faithfulness.
But sometimes I feel like the gospel is a flat ball that won't bounce. It's sad and deflated. It's not good news, it's bad news, unless you just don't like sports. The gospel's been boiled down to so many axioms, or so many facts, or so many doctrines, that it's something we say "Oh, that's right. I get the gospel." and then go on about our days without even a thought of what just happened.
Relationship. Friendship. Brotherhood. Sacrifice. Betrayal. Romance. Rescue. Intrigue. Mystery. Martyrdom. Resurrection. These are just a few of the themes in the gospel story! And I can walk away from it and think it's boring!!! That's crazy!
While "All of the earth worships God and sings praises to him" I too often go through my day whistling, say, "The Little Drummer Boy."
But "let me tell you what the Lord has done for my soul." Along with King David, the man after God's own heart, I have been given an awesome place to live. I get to live in God's house all of my days. I don't have to spend one moment away from God. I get to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord! And bring all of my questions to him. (Ps. 27).
There is nothing like the life I have. My cup runs over and goodness and mercy eagerly pursue me. Is there anything better than being one with my Creator?
And still I yawn. Still I think about biking, or movies, or my next cup of coffee, not recognizing and thanking God for all these gifts. But these very "Creational" gifts are given to me to comfort me and enable me to enjoy God more. They are not gifts meant to bring a rift into this relationship.
Having just celebrated the materialistic binge of Christmas presents with my kids, I can tell you that there is nothing better than having my child come up to me with their gift (or armfuls) saying "Daddy thank you so much, this is awesome."
On this note, I overheard our three-year-old David say (two or three times over Christmas) "I am so happy." Try yawning when the human you played a part in creating says "He's so happy." Try yawning when the God who loves you dances over you with delight. Try yawning when He asks you not to just stay over at his place as long as you "do good," but forever! (And by forever I mean forever-ever!) Try yawning when you get to know, ask, live and bathe in the middle of it all. In the middle of the presence that defines presence.
I hope you know that nothing will ever suffice as an explanation of the goodness of this gospel. For the goodness of this gospel is God himself. I hope you have a GOOD day.
(image above can be found at manyfacesofus.blogspot.com)
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